Joyce Roberts

Fairbanks, AK

Beadwork

My name is Joyce Roberts, I’m Han Hwech’in from the Native Village of Eagle. I was born to the late Angela (Malcolm) and Arthur Harper. My maternal grandparents are Edward and Sarah (Stephen) Malcolm. My grandfather was from Fort McPherson, NWT and my grandmother was from Eagle Village. My father was born in Rampart, AK to Samuel and Louise (Minook) Harper both from Tanana. I have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. I live in Fairbanks, AK.
I have been a bead artist starting in high school. I started with making key chains. I moved on to making suncatchers in my late 20s.
My artistic capabilities began to expand in my late 30s when I began to teach myself how to make moccasins. I am entirely self-taught on making moccasins. Today, I am the creator of almost 5 dozen pairs of moccasins, beaded shawls, 7 pairs of dancing boots, countless pairs of gloves, dresses, and other miscellaneous beaded pieces.
I spent 20+ years of my early adult life working in administrative positions. I now do beadwork full time and I get to spend all my time with my children, truly a dream come true.