John Curran
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 14, 2008

TUKTOYAKTUK - If you're visiting Tuktoyaktuk anytime soon, it's likely you'll meet Bertha Chicksi or Darlene Felix and you'll probably end up giving them some money, too.

These skilled crafters are regulars at most community events, especially when there are southerners in the hamlet.

Two of the craftiest ladies in Tuk are Darlene Felix, at left, displaying a wall hanging, and Bertha Chicksi, holding several of her handmade Inuvialuit dolls. - John Curran/NNSL photo

"They're the ones who really show me the money," said Chicksi.

A skilled Inuvialuit sewing machine, she produces traditional dolls complete with a rabbit fur ruff and said she can make about 60 in a week if she's doesn't have any distractions.

She learned her craft from her mother many years ago.

"She was really good at sewing, too," she said. "I just love making dolls."

Her small dolls sell for about $20 apiece - though she's not opposed to volume discounts if someone wants to buy four or five at a time.

She's been sewing for about 25 years now and can't imagine life without her needles and thread.

"I love sewing," she said. "It's part of our culture."

While Chicksi is largely regarded as a pro, there are also those who stitch at more of a hobbyist level in the community, such as Felix.

She said she can make a small wall hanging that sells for $40 in about four days just doing it in the evenings or in her spare time. Smaller is definitely better in her mind.

"The large wall hangings take a lot longer to do," she said. "And most people don't want to spend the money for a big one - they want something inexpensive they can take home with them that says Tuktoyaktuk on it."

Both agree it is important for Inuvialuit women to not only keep sewing themselves, but to also pass along their skills to the next generation.

"My daughter Jenna Felix has learned to sew and is already making wall hangings of her own that she sells," she said. "Unfortunately most girls today aren't doing crafts like sewing."