Darlene Dene Koe-Coa is a Northern artist based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, creating beaded crafts and custom handmade bags inspired by life in the Western Arctic. Originally from Aklavik, Darlene brings cultural pride and careful beadwork into each piece, blending tradition, colour, and personal meaning.
Working in both the Gwich’in language and English language, Darlene’s craft reflects the strength of northern heritage and the creativity found throughout the Mackenzie Delta. Her beadwork and handmade items are created with patience and attention to detail, with each bag made as a one-of-a-kind piece.
Beading in the North is more than decoration — it’s a living art form connected to family, community, and identity. Darlene’s work highlights that connection through handmade designs that celebrate northern culture while offering practical, beautiful items people can use and treasure. Her pieces are shaped by her roots in Aklavik and her life in Inuvik, making them a meaningful reflection of the region.
Darlene is connected to both Inuvik and Aklavik, and her work reflects the unique spirit of the Delta. Through beadwork and handmade crafts, she helps keep northern creativity visible and valued, sharing art that is both personal and rooted in place.
