U of Alberta: Moccasins for President Flanagan

The Scope and Work of the Moccasins

The making of President Flanagan’s moccasins was a collaborative effort between two employees at the Faculty of Native Studies, Janet Delorme and Lana R. Sinclair. Janet took the lead on beading the vamps for the president, and Lana assembled the soles and vamps to make the moccasins.

The beading design of a bear and bear’s paw are a tribute to the University of Alberta. President Flanagan’s work in support of HIV/AIDS research and initiatives inspired the other features of the beadwork. The design features the Red Ribbon, and incorporates colours from the Pride flag.

These northern style moccasins are made with moosehide harvested by an Indigenous company with beaver lined trim with a shearling lining for extra warmth.

The gifting of moccasins has a long history, and is a traditional way to honour a person during important events. The gift of moccasins symbolizes the beginning of a new journey that the person is embarking on. They encourage their wearer to walk in a good way and on a good path. These moccasins for President Flanagan and his husband, Saffron Sri, are also practical — they will hopefully help keep their feet warm as they acclimatize to our Edmonton winters!

The Artists

Janet Delorme, Reception, Faculty of Native Studies

Oki Napi, my name is Janet Delorme. I am a Blood tribe member from Southern Alberta. I am blessed with three children, of whom two are adults and my youngest is 20 years younger than his older siblings. I am a grandmother of four, as well as a kinship parent.

I have been a public servant for over 20 years, I started with the University of Alberta in 1998, worked with the Government of Alberta for several years, then returned back to the U of A in 2018. I can proudly say my life is full circle and as I continue my journey working with the Faculty of Native Studies. I have the ability to share, grow, learn and experience everything Indigenous. I can truly say life is good and the Creator has blessed me with this glorious path.

Lana R. Sinclair, Executive Assistant, Faculty of Native Studies

Lana R. Sinclair is of Cree and Ojibway descent and is from Peguis First Nations in Treaty 1 territory in Manitoba. She currently resides on Treaty 6 territory in Edmonton, Alberta with her son Daniel and husband Pedro.

She was introduced to beading when First People’s House, then Aboriginal Student Services Centre, looked for volunteers to bead the quill of eagle feathers for convocation.There began her journey into the traditional arts which she considers therapeutic and healing, good medicine for the soul.

She has been with the University of Alberta since 1992 in what was then called the School of Native Studies and is now the Faculty of Native Studies. For her, Native Studies is her extended family and she very much enjoys her work and the people she works with.

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