ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - By the end of the month Acho Dene Native Crafts' new look will be finished, just in time for the summer tourist season.

Pearl Sasnett, left, the general manger of Acho Dene Native Crafts, and Lucy Lomen display some of the products the store has stocked for the summer tourist season. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The Fort Liard store's traditional craft products are being grouped by artisan. This organizational style makes the store more like an art gallery, said Pearl Sasnett, the store's new general manager.

"I want to showcase the crafter's products and promote the sales," she said.

Sasnett started her position in late January taking over for Eva Hope who retired. Coming from Ottawa, Ont. Sasnett brought with her a background in business management, sales promotion and fundraising.

"I really, really want to promote and showcase the shop," she said.

One of Sasnett's primary initiatives has been to reorganize the store. Previously the crafts, which include birchbark baskets, were organized by size. Now the products are grouped by artists. The artist's name, a small biography and in some cases a photo are displayed alongside the crafts.

The artisans have responded positively to the change, Sasnett said.

"They feel very proud to see their name up beside their goods," she said.

David Duntra who produces moose antler and bone pendants along with other crafts blushed when he saw his section, said Sasnett. The groupings will allow customers to easily find goods produced by specific people, she said.

Some of the store's artists are asked for by name. On May 12, a customer came to the store looking for work by the Kotchea family and left with three birchbark baskets made by Martine Kotchea. The store also offers work by Martine's daughter Karen and her granddaughter Blair.

The store showcases the work of between 15 and 20 artists, most of whom are from Fort Liard. There are also works by artists in Fort Simpson, Rae Lakes and Fort Providence. Sasnett said the store is well stocked for the peak summer season.

"It's a tourist attraction," she said.

Although the summer is the busiest time the store does business constantly through its website and phone inquiries. The store also provides products to a number of gift shops.

Sasnett, who makes crafts and jewelry, will also be featured in the store for the first time. She will also be offering a jewelry-making workshop this summer. Additionally, there are plans for quill work, basket making and beading workshops.

Since coming to the store, Sasnett said she is amazed to see the crafts that can be made out of materials most people wouldn't consider using.

"I'm humbled to be in the presence of such great work," she said.