MELISSA VICTOR

Melissa Victor, Beader, Mother, Wife, Daughter and Granddaughter, is the proud owner of Kwósel Indigenous Jewelry and Art. Her traditional home is Xwchíyò:m (Cheam First Nation ) located in S’ólh Téméxw of the Fraser River Valley. Melissa currently resides in Mohkintsis (Blackfoot, and Treaty 7) territory, also known as Calgary Alberta, Canada.

Kwósel was launched in January 2023, as a desire to connect to her Xwchíyò:m roots. The passion was fueled with the intention to better understand these teachings for her children- blending stories through beadwork and cedar weaving.

She started her journey with Beadwork in 2018 taught by her cousin. That was the beginning of a journey of discovery and experimentation of different beading techniques. She then travelled to her home territories to learn how to harvest and weave cedar in the traditional and sustainable way.

She has since been showcased in exhibitions entitled “Mothers and Matriarchy” (2021) and “Wasakamapiwak Collective” residency(2023/2024)- a wearable art collective. In February 2024 was one of the designers at New York Fashion Week with Runway7 .

The name Kwósel was birthed in deep connection to my language of the Xwchíyò:m people ; Hawalq’emeylem. The translation for Kwósel is Star. Named from the inspiration from a BC Knowledge keeper who was gifted a pair of beaded Delica morning star earrings in exchange.