Traditional hide tanning is a form of reclamation, sovereignty and it is cultural resurgence. Join us for a weekend of Moose Hide Teachings with Jess Sanderson-Barry from Chakastaypasin Band as she shares different ways of knowing how to traditionally tan a moose hide.
Our relative the môswa (moose) is a healing animal. In this drop-in program, learn the importance of community and the transmission of knowledge and hear stories of how the môswa is healing communities. This hands-on activity gives you a chance to participate in moose hide scraping, work collectively, and learn about the many different hide tools used.
This activity is included with general admission.
About Jess Sanderson Barry:
Jess Sanderson-Barry is a nêhiyaw-iskwêw, mother, Cree Artist, Traditional Hide Tanner, Knowledge Sharer and Facilitator from Chakastaypasin Band, Treaty 6 Territory. Jess has created her wearable art under the name JShine Designs and is currently working out of amiskwaciwâskahikan.
Jess combines both traditional and contemporary beading styles into her art. Throughout her work she utilizes materials such as traditionally tanned hides, which she reclaims the practice and art of hide tanning. Traditional Hide Tanning was stopped one generation before her, and she was able to bring this traditional practice back to her kin. Beading and working on hides has reawakened her spirit and she finds beading as a way to express herself by creating beautiful adornments for everyday wear.