Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Aug 07/98) - Nellie Norwegian has made more scarves, mitts and hats over the past year than she has in her entire life.

As one of 16 employees of Dene Fur Clouds Inc., Norwegian works with rabbit fur and beaver fur to produce fashion accessories.

"The neat thing is that I get to knit at home," Norwegian said while selling some wares at the Mackenzie Days craft show. She also uses her talent to make baby blankets, afghans and a variety of other items as gifts for friends and family.

It takes her about an hour to crochet a single scarf. She said beaver skin feels finer but she finds it more difficult to work with.

All of the employees with Dene Fur Clouds are either Dene or Metis and they all live in the Fort Providence area. Each of the workers took part in a month-long training course before they began making the accessories.

The company, which began operations in September of last year, is owned by the Deh Ga'h Gotie Development Corp., the NWT Development Corp. and Ontario entrepreneur Paula Lishman.

Paschalina Thurber, the business' marketing co-ordinator, said things have "been going good."

Since she took the position, Thurber has been travelling regularly. She has already been to Inuvik, Montreal, Toronto and Arizona, the site of the indigenous peoples' arts festival, "Spirits in the Sun."

In October, Thurber will be heading to Edmonton to continue to promote the line of accessories, which includes headbands and scrunchies.

Customers are generally "amazed" that everything is knitted or crocheted by hand, according to Thurber, who added that one must constantly feel where the stitches are because they can't be seen.