Erica Lugt is an Inuvialuk artist from Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, though she is now based in Inuvik. Erica makes jewellery inspired by the land and her Inuvialuit culture, in particular Inuvialuit dancing parkas, as well as the colours of the land: “I’ve always been attracted to colour. I bring my love of colour, of all colours, to my creations.” Erica also has a passion and pedigree for fashion; she comes from a long line of well-known Gruben seamstresses. Erica is committed to creating wearable fashion that is at once traditional and modern. Jewellery and fashion design are more than creative outlets for Erica. They have also been an important part of her healing journey. Erica sees opportunities for collective healing and the making of a better future through fashion as well.

Erica’s jewellery and garments are available through her brand, She Was A Free Spirit. Erica has collaborated with Caroline Blechert, from Creation for Continuity, after they met at the Great Northern Arts Festival. Erica was a part of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto 2019, and returned for the 2020 in its virtual form. She plans on continuing to make her way into the fashion industry by expanding and learning new skills daily.