Long Ago Sewing We Will Remember: The Story of the Gwich'in Traditional Caribou Skin Clothing Project

Karen F. Danielson, Ph.D., is a research consultant at Laurentian
University who specializes in leisure, textiles, family life, and Japan.

Leather artifacts did not survive in the acidic subarctic soil; the
skills to make traditional caribou-skin summer clothes had been
forgotten and there were no examples of traditional summer clothing in
their communities. Thus in 1999, the Gwich’in of Canada’s Northwest
Territories began collaborating to produce five multi-piece traditional
summer outfits and repatriate their knowledge and skills. They asked for
advice from elders and assistance from the Canadian Museum of
Civilization. They also obtained access to historical documents and
artifacts in museums.

This book is a record of their experiences. They were impressed by the
angular cut and frontal seam on the sleeves of the summer tunic. The
unique design provided for comfortable movement and also contributed to
the distinctive look of this upper garment. They learned that it was
necessary to select a hide in the late summer or early fall so that the
holes made by larvae of the warble flies would be healed over.
Traditionally, a carefully scraped hide was left to winter in the wind
so that it would become soft and white. For ornamentation, porcupine
quills were cleaned, dyed, trimmed, and flattened and silverberry bush
seeds were drilled.

Long Ago Sewing We Will Remember is only part of the documentation that
resulted from this project, but it provides a good model for the way in
which cultural development can contribute to an improved sense of
identity and community. In two and a half years, over 40 seamstresses
and many other members of five communities became involved.

Through their writing, Thompson and Kritsch demonstrate how Aboriginal
and other cultural communities can collaborate with museums. The authors
also bring Canadian history to life. The book will enlighten anyone who
hopes to view these garments in the northern communities of Aklavik,
Fort McPherson, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic, and Yellowknife. It will be
equally helpful to those who study original artifacts in the Canadian
Museum of Civilization and other museums around the world. As well, the
practical instructions will be helpful to teachers and artists who seek
to incorporate elements of Canadian nature and heritage in their work.