about Asha Bear

Asha Bear is a Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaq multifaceted artist from Neqotkuk (Tobique), and currently resides in Fredericton on Wolastoqey territory. As a multifunctional artist, Asha has been beading since 2014, finding solace and cultural connection in this traditional craft. Her intricate beaded earrings have gained recognition, but she is also eager to explore other artistic mediums and showcase Indigenous art in various forms.


Through her beading career, Asha has facilitated workshops for youth and young adults, sharing her passion for art and empowering others to explore their creative potential. If you're interested in hosting a workshop or collaborating on a project, please reach out to bearbeadwork@hotmail.com

In her free time, Asha enjoys film-making, storytelling, script writing, drumming, singing, and spending time with loved ones. She is also a devoted cat mom to her three feline companions: Smokey, Luna, and Onion.

about Bear Beadwork

Established in 2016, Bear Beadwork is a thriving Indigenous-owned business that has evolved over the years to offer a diverse range of artisanal crafts. From its humble beginnings making beaded earrings, Bear Beadwork has expanded its product line to include exquisite beaded jewelry, unique clothing items, and even housewares. Most recently, Bear Beadwork has also ventured into the realm of film-making, showcasing its creative talents in a new and innovative way. With its commitment to quality, authenticity, and cultural pride, Bear Beadwork has become a beloved brand among craft enthusiasts and collectors alike. Bear Beadwork possesses extensive knowledge of traditional and contemporary beadwork techniques, as well as an intimate understanding of the cultural significance of beading in Indigenous cultures.

With almost 10 years of experience in the Indigenous arts and crafts industry, Asha has established herself as a trusted and respected name. Asha has honed her skills through years of dedication, experimentation, and innovation, developing a deep understanding of traditional and contemporary beadwork techniques, materials, and cultural practices. This extensive experience has allowed Bear Beadwork to refine its craft, perfect its processes, and build a reputation for producing high-quality, unique, and authentic products that resonate with customers seeking distinctive and meaningful items. Over the past decade, Bear Beadwork has not only grown in size and scope but has also developed a strong network of relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

Bear Beadwork's Story

A look back through the years....

✧.* 2012 ✧.*

Bear Beadwork started off by creating homemade bracelets before I learned how to bead. I always have been an entrepreneur at heart ♡︎ This is a photo of me set up at Neqoktuk Powwow.

✧.* 2014 ✧.*

I started beading in 2014, but did not officially launch Bear Beadwork yet. At this point in time, I was creating beadwork to give to my family and friends and occasionally selling to community members. This is a photo of me set up at Dalhousie University.

✧.* 2016 ✧.*

In 2016, I officially launched Bear Beadwork and created my social media pages. This is a photo of me set up at our annual labour day festival in Neqotkuk

✧.* 2018 ✧.*

My sister and I set up at Mahsos Christmas Bazaar, I continued to expand my art to try different forms of beadwork outside of the modern day earrings.

✧.* 2019 ✧.*

Bear Beadwork started to find their niche and finding more of what I enjoy creating while still expanding my art and networks. Forever grateful for my sister for always keeping me company and selling her baked goods along side me ♡︎

✧.* 2021 ✧.*

Bear Beadwork began expanding its horizons and attending more markets and powwows. I incorporated totes, clothings and beading starter kits this year. This was my first time at the Oromocto powwow and it has become one of my favourite powwows.

✧.* 2022 ✧.*

I continued to expand my business, incorporate and explore more art forms.

✧.* 2024 ✧.*

In 2024, I continued to expand my business. My work has been shipped all over Canada and the USA. I am most known for my strawberries, and this year I incorporated beaded clips, jibitz, and ribbon skirts. I look forward to 2025!