I am L’nu
One woman helps keep the art of traditional Indigenous crafts and regalia alive with I Am L’nu
"It's about inclusion, wanting to participate in the culture, to explore what has been suppressed,” says Elizabeth Riddell, owner and operator of I am L’nu Indigenous Supplies. “We will lose these art forms forever if we don't teach them. If someone comes in to my shop wanting to learn about beading, I’ll teach them. Why not share it?"
L'nu is a Mi'kmaw word meaning “the people.” It refers primarily to the Mi'kmaq. This term reflects the importance of the Mi'kmaw language, culture, and identity as the First People of Nova Scotia, the Mi'kmaq. Elizabeth Riddell is proud to be one of the people. Her grandfather, who raised her until she turned 16, taught her how to sew, weave baskets, make shell beads.
I am L’nu offers authentic items for making traditional clothing, regalia, and jewelry, including: shell and bone beads, ribbons, jingles, hair pipes, feathers, and tools for crafting. She also creates custom ribbon skirts, shirts, regalia, shawls, and dresses – from start to finish. Elizabeth also crafts handmade leather purses, bags, and pouches.
Elizabeth has been working with CBDC Cumberland for several years to grow her business. CBDC Cumberland Business advisor Nicholas March reports “we assisted Elizabeth though the Entrepreneurial Training fund to help get her online business up and running. Since then, she has grown both her online presence as well as her local sales. Elizabeth has used our monthly training programs to further her business skills and has always been an active participant who generously shares her experience with other participants.”
Even though Elizabeth’s business has successfully turned a profit every month it’s been operating, she has faced challenges along the way. While looking into two brick-and-mortar locations outside of her hometown of Port Howe, one fellow business owner asked her what kind of people would be coming by, while another said she’d be better off opening up a coffee shop.
“We need a safe inclusive space,” Elizabeth explains. “People deserve to go where they want to go without being watched or judged.”
That’s when Elizabeth decided to reach out to CBDC Cumberland again, this time for a micro loan to help her build a studio on her own property so customers can see and feel the beads, ribbons, fabrics and various other craft supplies in person. She also intends to provide tutorials to teach those interested how to make certain crafts. Those who shop at I Am L’nu can rest assured that everything on offer – from porcupine quills to quahog shells – is authentic and locally sourced whenever possible.
“The great thing about CBDC is that if I have a question, I can pick up the phone,” Elizabeth says. “With every step, CBDC encourages you to make wise business choices, to analyze costs and do monthly expenses forecasting. It has been one of the best experiences for understanding my business and how to run it!”
Equal parts nervous and excited for the doors of her studio to open, Elizabeth has big plans for the future - including growing a medicine garden to sit around a talking circle or simply enjoy a moment of peace and contentment.
“I’m not opening up a coffee shop,” Elizabeth laughs. “However, I ordered really pretty mugs and a Keurig machine. In my studio, you can make your own coffee – the milk is in the fridge!”
Update: The I am L’nu retailed store opened in June 2024 with a resounding Pjila'si! (meaning "you are welcomed into"). Learn more about Elizabeth’s products and the retail store at her website: www.indigenoussupplies.ca