Location:
Paqtnkek First Nation
Contact:
Phone: (902) 870-0567
(506) 230-0912
Email: mary.lafford@hotmail.com
Facebook:
Instagram:
Mary C. Lafford is a Mi’kmaq artist and craftsperson who runs a small shop from her home in her community. She creates a wide range of handmade items, including moccasins, dreamcatchers, baskets, quillwork earrings, and other jewelry, using a blend of traditional, natural, and modern materials.
Mary is also known for her custom work, creating regalia and one-of-a-kind pieces for community members. Her craftsmanship has been trusted at a high level, including making the headdress for Regional Chief P.J. Prosper. She continues to take custom orders for items such as purses, knife sheaths, regalia, and other requested pieces.
Her shop is more than a place to buy crafts, it is a place to experience Mi’kmaq culture. Mary shares stories of growing up Mi’kmaq with visitors, often welcoming tourists who gather outside her shop to listen. Whether inside or seated outdoors, guests are invited to connect, learn, and enjoy her storytelling while exploring her work.
Always busy creating, Mary’s work reflects dedication, cultural knowledge, and a deep connection to her community and traditions.
“I am always busy making something!” – Mary
Storytelling
Mi’kmaw Language Speaker
Harvest: I harvest sweetgrass, birchbark, seashells for my crafts; I also harvest roadkill such as porcupines for the quills for my crafts | Land-Based Skills Workshops: I don’t offer workshops to tourists, but I worked in the schools for 18 years and conducted many workshops with the children.
Artist / Crafter: I have taken courses on various types of craft making and basket making with elders. | Designer: My parents and grandparents made utility baskets; I learned how to make fancy baskets and quill boxes and like continuing to improve my basket making skills.
