AKLAVIK - The Aklavik General store, its sign faded and doors boarded, is one of a few abandoned buildings which stand as a testament to the community's history.

It might be cold in Aklavik, but grandmother Sarah Irish was dressed for the occasion in a muskrat and wolverine coat Feb. 4. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

While most people today shop at the Northern, which is two buildings down, the old store continues to bear witness to days past. Another landmark is Aklavik's old fur store, which closed several years ago.

On a cold Sunday afternoon, Feb. 4 - with the fur store boarded up and definitely closed for business - Sarah Irish walked by wearing a magnificent coat of muskrat and wolverine.

Adding to its authenticity, claws dangled from the neck, accenting the coat like beads.

It was a piece you obviously couldn't pick up at the local Northern.

So where do people get their furs?

"I guess it's mostly the elders who still do it," Irish explained.

"You can order from people and sometimes it takes a while, but you can get one."

In her case, Irish said her coat was a gift from her aunt Rosie Archie, who made it several years ago with needle and thread.

As a lifelong resident of Aklavik, Irish said nothing can match traditional crafts.

"Sometimes with other parkas, you can feel the wind go through," she said.

She added she is perfecting her own sewing skills, to keep the tradition alive and give things to her grandchildren.

So far, she has made canvas mukluks and canvas hats, but is still waiting to sew her first coat, she said.

At the Northern store, clerk Bessie Archie said the store gets a shipment of furs every year.

While people can always buy tuques and fur hats at the store, she said, there are some people who still buy the supplies and make their own.

Irish says that's a good sign, because it means people are still sewing - which means the coats will be available for people who want to stay warm the traditional way.