About Us

Sam Fleshman

Founder, Simply Significants
Indigenous artist • educator • single mother of three

I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and I am grateful to be on this land.

Artist Statement

My work is rooted in culture, family, and resilience. As an Indigenous artist, educator, and single mother of three, I create beadwork using traditional materials such as moose hide, fur, and natural elements. Each piece carries forward skills that connect past, present, and future.

Through both my work and workshops, I am committed to strengthening the appreciation of traditional skills while creating space for connection, confidence, and cultural learning. My work reflects not only where I come from, but the traditions I am carrying forward for future generations—including my own children.

A Few Quick Facts About Me

• I am Snohomish, Snoqualmie, European, and Scottish
• I have three wonderful children: Lyam (17), Jaxon (11), and Lily (6), who are Taku River Tlingit
• I am a born and raised Yukoner, and we live in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

How I Started Beading

I started my beading journey in 2009. The first thing I made was a pair of mitts for my oldest son. Since then, I have created earrings, wristlets, moccasins, fur hats, vests, mukluks, hair clips, patches, and wraparounds.

My First Pair of Moccasins

I made my first pair of moccasins in 2012 for my wedding. I wanted them to be special—made just for me. It was difficult to find materials and someone to guide me through that first pair. I found a pattern and made them without any direction (oh my, you should see the heel). I also made each of my bridesmaids a pair of their own.

Simply Significants, Then and Now

Like many women, I started Simply Significants so I could stay home with my kids. It began with selling moccasins and earrings and quickly grew into so much more.

In early 2021, I taught my first workshop. I’ll admit it was a bit tricky at first, but we did it. Seeing the pride in participants’ faces when they completed their first pair of moccasins was incredible. That’s when I knew teaching others these skills was what I wanted to do.

In 2023, I proudly joined forces with Connected North, a program dedicated to providing remote Indigenous communities with access to interactive learning experiences. Through this partnership, I strive to offer Indigenous students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 meaningful opportunities to learn, create, and thrive.

My Mission

My mission is to strengthen the appreciation of traditional skills through hands-on workshops and storytelling. By fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment, my students are able to complete their projects while building confidence in both their skills and themselves.

I am proud of the work that I do because I see the impact—celebrating traditions across generations, now and into the future.