DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - Wherever there's traditional sewing taking place in Fort Providence, Sylvia Nadli likes to make sure she's there.

Nadli received the 2011 Wise Woman Award for the Deh Cho region which recognizes her dedication to promoting traditional crafts. The Status of Women Council of the NWT awards the honour anually to women in the territory's five regions.

Other winners include Lena Pedersen of Yellowknife, Ann Kasook of Inuvik, Alison DeJong of Tuilta and Alizette Lockhart of Lutsel K'e.

The women are chosen for being role models who demonstrate wisdom, perseverance and dedication while standing up for women, children and families in the communities.

Edith Squirrel and Ruby Minoza nominated Nadli for the award. The two women run the Family Life Program at the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre in Fort Providence.

A few years ago Squirrel wanted to offer traditional sewing as part of the program but knew little about it herself. She turned to Nadli who volunteered to teach a variety of crafts including mitts, uppers and moccasins.

"She's always participated in our program activities and she's always helped us out a lot," Squirrel said.

In addition to volunteering at the program, Nadli also offers women in the community a safe place to go when they need it.

"They know they can go to her," Squirrel said.

Squirrel, who won the Wise Woman Award in 2003, said Nadli deserves to be honoured.

"She doesn't realize how much she's valued," said Squirrel.

Minoza agrees.

Nadli volunteers at a variety of community functions for youths and adults without being asked, Minoza said.

"She's a role model in our community," said Minoza.

"I want to thank her for teaching our youth traditional stuff and teaching us as well."

Nadli said she was shocked to win the award. Squirrel told her about the nomination but Nadli, who has a humble view of her role in teaching traditional crafts said she doubted she would win.

"I just want to get out in the evening and sit with the girls," she said.

Nadli regularly attends the sewing circle at the Friendship Centre. She enjoys the atmosphere as people get their tea, sit and talk and then bring out their crafts.

"We all compliment each other," Nadli said.

Nadli assists new sewers on their projects using skills that her mother Cecile Nadli and her auntie Angie Nadli taught her.

"The next thing you know they look up to you," Nadli said.

Nadli particularly enjoys seeing younger girls learning to sew. In December she taught a group of approximately seven 11 to 18-year-olds beadwork and how to make slippers.

Nadli's personal favourite crafts are moosehide gloves and slippers. She tans her own hide to use in the projects.

Nadli said she simply enjoys being wherever people are gathering to do crafts and sew.

"It's really good to see them when they're finished their project," she said.

The Wise Woman Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Yellowknife on March 8.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.