![]() ![]() “Traditional materials and activities are highly valued in the Northwest Territories. ![]() The project aims to increase traditionally tanned hides available at an affordable price point to NWT artisans through the Hide and Fur Program (HFP), one of the programs under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur (GMVF) program. The costs for this project will come out of ITI’s fur budget. They will finish them this summer, and then provide feedback on the process. The hides have been shipped from Winnipeg directly to the tanners who will be fairly paid for their time and expertise to continue to work on the hides in their various states. As well, traditionally tanned hides also use the brains or spinal fluid of the animal, requiring careful harvesting of the remains.įor this pilot project, there are three traditional and experienced tanners in the communities of Fort Simpson, Fort Good Hope, and Lutsel K’e receiving two differently prepared hides each. If locally sourced tanned hide is not available, artisans have no other choice but to purchase from retail stores outside the NWT, without being able to gauge the quality. As a result, there are fewer hide tanners today and those who do tan their own hides typically do not sell them, instead keeping them for their own use. Traditionally tanning a moosehide is an intensive process taking upwards of 40 hours over the course of several weeks to complete. The GNWT department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) concluded that a pilot project involving Indigenous tanners would be the best way to identify the feasibility of a new approach to make traditionally tanned hides more accessible for NWT artisans. The beading or quillwork on each item is unique, and a true sign of the loving attention to detail of Dene craftswomen.The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is running a pilot project to determine if commercially preparing moosehides to be traditionally tanned in the Northwest Territories (NWT) is a viable business practice, benefitting NWT tanners and artisans.Īs the market for Indigenous fine crafts continues to grow and more NWT artists are focusing on emerging opportunities, the demand for traditionally tanned hide has increased, surpassing available territorial supply. Home tanned moose hide may shape the feet of moccasins or mukluks, or a fine warm pair of mitts. Home tanned hide, an art in itself, can be added to jackets or vests as a fringe, or yoke. Warm, sturdy clothing is still made for family members of pure wool stroud or duffle, furs and hide. Hides are still tanned by hand and decorated with beads or embroidery in original and unique patterns.Įach garment is one of a kind, an original created with an artisan’s imagination and craft. The rich scent of home-tanned hide will carry you back to your northern adventure. Try on a fringed and beaded vest or jacket. For a wonderful reminder of your visit to the Northwest Territories, take home a pair of hand sewn moccasins, gloves, or mukluks. Each item represents hours of patient hand work. Moccasins, gloves, mitts, baby belts, hair ornaments and garments of all sorts are decorated with beadwork. Floral patterns have generally replaced the geometric patterns of the past, and are shared up and down the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers. A row of beads is threaded on one strand, which is sewn tightly to the backing with a second needle. Home-tanned moose hide emits a smoky aroma reminiscent of the North.ĭecorative beadwork, probably developed from quillwork, has been part of Dene heritage since the first glass beads were brought in for trade in the 1700s. Moose hide items are produced by local Dene people using skills handed down for countless generations in the Liard and Mackenzie Valleys.
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