Muskwa mostos kesigok iskew is my spirit name, which roughly translates as bear buffalo northern lights woman. I was given the French name Lynette La Fontaine by my parents at birth, Richard La Fontaine (Métis) and LeEtta La Fontaine (née Poirier). I am a Métis visual artist with roots in northern Saskatchewan, as well as the historic Métis community of Red River settlement and Nehiyaw community of Norway House. I grew up on the traditional, unceded Dakelh territory of the Stella’ten and now currently resides in the traditional Lekwungun (Tsarlip and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations). My work is inspired by connection to land, heart, spirit, ancestors and teachings from Elders and knowledge holders. With the intent to honour these connections, I utilize my preferred mediums of traditional and contemporary beadwork, mixed media, traditional materials such as porcupine quills, reindeer/ moose/ elk hair, white fish scales, and hide, as well as acrylic painting and fabrics. I aspire to continue to gather the skills and knowledge of traditional Métis art forms, such as horse hair wrapping, quill work, moose hair embroidery, and hollow hair tufting and sculpting, through self-study and knowledge transfer by master knowledge holders. In turn, reciprocating the transfer of knowledge to others, informally and formally.

Métis people are known as otipemisiwak; the meaning translates to being the boss of ourselves or the free people. One can take this teaching to empower the strength residing in all of us. We are also known as Michif (the language we speak), apihtowkosisan (half son in Nehiyaw), halfbreed, and bois brulée. We were nicknamed the ‘flower beadwork people’ by our Lakota relations due to our densely floral beadwork on all our clothing and accessories, including jackets, gun sacks, fire bags, dog tuppies, horse blankets, moccasins, leggings and so much more. We love to show our Métis pride by wearing embellished and beaded items. I often create contemporary wearable beadwork in the form of earrings, bracelets, and moccasins, incorporating fur, hide, semi precious stones, and porcupine quills. No part of animals are wasted, therefore much of our artwork includes animal gifts we cannot consume.