Victoria

Boozhoo Victoria indizhinikaaz, Memegwesiikwe indigoo. Migizi indoodem, Miskwaabiikang indoonijibaa. My name is Victoria, and I was named after my grandmother Victoria “Toddy”. I am eagle clan from Red Cliff. I began by introducing myself in Ojibwe because my identity as an Anishinaabekwe is the driving force that shapes the way I live my life and influences my artwork.

I was introduced to leatherwork at 7 years old by a first language Ojibwe speaker who was born in a birchbark lodge – Miscobineshiiban from St. Croix. I was mentored for over 10 years working with leather and making traditional pucker toe moccasins.

I took over teaching of children while Miscobineshiiban worked with adults. She taught me how to respect leather and how to properly care for it. With the knowledge that was passed on I started to branch out with other leather crafts including pouches and lacrosse balls. I feel a strong obligation to have these traditional crafts available and to pass the knowledge to future generations.

This business is important to me. In June 2025 I had double hip surgery, staged 7 weeks apart. I had an abnormal response in healing with significant residual pain and mobility issues. I have been unable to work a full-time job since having surgery due to the resulting physical disability. I transitioned to working on my art and focusing on this small business with the flexibility I have while creating and the ability to listen to the limits my body has currently.