Kanesatake artist wins Best in Show

The theme of this year’s edition of the Hodinöhsö:ni’ Juried Art Show was “revolutionary peace.” Learning this, local artist Kaysun Oke thought of her daughter.

“She just runs around not knowing where her legs will bring her, a little crazy but still so innocent, like a butterfly,” Oke said.

With this inspiration in mind, Oke went about creating her submission, a traditional clothing set titled Peaceful Wild.

“I really wanted to combine how art brings us peace, and we create these clothings for our family and children. It’s a calming art,” Oke said.

She made a cotton-backed yoke with glass beads on a velveteen material, cuffs with a leather backing, and a barrel purse. She added caribou tufting for softness and texture.

“I really wanted to reintroduce the barrel purse. My great grandmother had created a few in her lifetime, and I used to dance with one on my hip as a young child, so I was inspired by that,” said Oke.

With 28 Haudenosaunee artists exhibiting work at the show, Oke emerged with the honour of Best in Show, a first for the Kanehsata’kehró:non, who started creating work in 2019 and earned a second-place distinction at the Ohi:yo’ Art Market in 2024.

“It’s a great honour to receive Best in Show. There are so many talented artists and especially in beadwork, the techniques developed and shared through the years. I’m still in disbelief that I would be among other artists there that are well known,” Oke said.

“It’s always a great feeling to be recognized, and really it makes me feel like I’m on the right path as an artist.”

Oke was unable to attend the show, which took place from April 8-11 at the Seneca Art and Culture Center at the Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, New York. However, she was helped out by fellow Kanien’kehá:ka artists from Kahnawake and Akwesasne, who helped bring back her pieces.

“I think it merits mention that even if we’re communities apart, that women supporting other women artists is really cool,” Oke said. “I never met them in person, but the fact that they helped bring them back was just so kind and reduced the stress, and I’m thankful for the support across Turtle Island.”

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter