Grandmother's Eyes Mittens and Carry Bag - Derrick J. Pont, Métis

Image of beaded mitts and carry bag by Derrick Pont

Derrick J. Pont is a Métis artist who currently serves as the President of the Niagara Region Métis Council for the Métis Nation of Ontario. He sits on many committees to support the needs of and advocate for Métis citizens in the Niagara Region.

Derrick named these beaded mitts and carry bag Grandmother’s Eyes, as they were inspired by his Métis grandmother Rose Pont (née Zastre) who continued to create bead and leather artwork even after she lost her eyesight to cataracts. Traditionally, Métis people specialized in creating both leather pieces and beadwork.