Born in Bermuda and raised in Epekwitk / Charlottetown, P.E.I., Aiyana Skye Pritchard (Ziisbaakdokekwe) is a Potwatomi – Settler artisan specializing in beadwork. Growing up, beadwork and Anishinaabe teachings were not part of her life because of the rift the 60s scoop created in her family. In her late teens, she and her father started reconnecting with their Potawatomi lineage/family. As this was happening, she realized the importance of embracing that side of herself. One way she decided to do this was through beadwork.

She started teaching herself how to make beaded jewelry 5 years ago and hasn’t stopped since. She feels as though this helps maintain and strengthen her connection to her heritage, ancestors, and community, no matter the distance between her and her relatives living on Walpole Island First Nation and in the surrounding area of Southern Ontario.

She is proud to carry on the tradition of beadwork while also putting a unique modern twist on her pieces. She enjoys using natural materials in her work, such as elk, cow, and moose hides, quills, freshwater pearls, dentalium shells and crystals. This year (2026), she has pushed her entrepreneurial skills to a new level, focusing solely on her authentic Indigenous beadwork business, Shenamesh Creations. Named after the Bodwéwadmimwen (Potawatomi Language) word for Sugar Maple, which all connects back to her Native name Ziisbaakdokekwe, meaning ‘Maple syrup making woman’.