KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET - The hamlet of Cape Dorset recently began a sealskin sewing course with the hopes of teaching eight students how to sew sealskin vests, pants and kamiik.

Cheryl Constantineau, the hamlet's recreation co-ordinator, was shocked when nearly 10 times that number expressed a desire to participate in the course.

Eight women in Cape Dorset recently completed a seal vest sewing course put on by the hamlet and instructed by elders Lao Ottokie and Alika Parr. Sporting their new vests are, from left, Kanayuk Salomonie, Alicee Takiasuk, Etusajuk Oshutsiaq, Susie Ashevak, Sarah Oshutsiaq, Kanaarvalik Namonai and Kanajuk Bell. Missing in the picture is Oqituq Sevega. - photo courtesy of Cheryl Constantineau

In all, 74 residents of Cape Dorset said they wanted to be a part of the course.

"We didn't really expect we would have such a huge demand," said Constantineau.

However, with the great numbers, Constantineau and the instructors, Lao Ottokie and Alika Parr, decided to have eight different women participate in the seal vest, pant and kamik-making courses.

The hamlet held a draw and only those who showed up at the community hall were eligible to be one of the first 24 women involved.

"If they were really, really interested in the course they would show up," said Constantineau, explaining the rationale behind the draw.

Susie Ashevak showed up and was picked, and two weeks ago she completed her first sealskin vest.

She gave it to her father, because he didn't have one.

"He was really happy," said Ashevak. "It was an early birthday gift, since I finished it a week before his birthday."

Ashevak said she was grateful the course was put on.

"It was really good to learn what the elders had to teach us about what they did in the past," she said.

"These two instructors are very proud of their students and very happy this course is happening," said Constantineau.

The skin vests - with one side made of leather and the other of sealskin - had to be hand-sewn before students could use a sewing machine, to make sure the skin did not slip from the leather.

Ashevak said the pockets were the most difficult part.

"You have to sew them by hand first and then put together the leather with a sewing machine, and then sew the inside with your hands," she said.

Ashevak said the course took about a week and a half, with students working with elders five hours a day.

Constantineau said most of the ladies made the vests for their partners.

The hamlet received $38,000 in funding from the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.

"Hopefully, this would be something for economic development," said Constantineau, explaining one of the reasons the course was initiated. "It's giving the skills and knowledge to the students, so they could be doing this and selling this later."

Constantineau is going to apply for funding again next year, although she said she will not be able to increase the class size.

"It's two elders that are doing the program," she said. "They are passing on the skills and tradition, and four students under each of them is about all they can handle.

"They don't want to go any larger."

Constantineau said the pants course would begin Friday.

The kamik course would not likely happen until November.

"The reason the kamiks are last is it takes time to collect the material," she said.

Ashevak said she thought she could probably make a vest on her own now.

"I think I have an idea of how it works now," she said.

She added she may have to make another one, as her brother has been pestering her for a vest.

"He really wants one."