Class sews for tradition and culture
Fort Simpson workshop shows how to make Dene vest
Shane Magee
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, November 13, 2014
LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
While she's made birch bark baskets, moccasins and other crafts before, making a traditional Dene vest by hand was a first for Merle Snider.
Gracyn Tanche works on a traditional Dene vest during a workshop in the Open Sky Society gallery on Sunday in Fort Simpson. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo
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She jumped at the chance to take part in the vest making workshop held Saturday and Sunday in the Open Sky Society gallery space under the village library.
"The importance for me is that it's part of my heritage and my mom's heritage," Snider said as she ironed part of the vest she was making.
"I never got a chance to participate in that before. So this is my chance to join in and learn and carry on the tradition to my daughter so she can teach her kids."
Snider was one of 11 taking part in the workshop run by D'Arcy Moses, originally from Wrigley, that was free for participants with the vest supplies provided.
The vests, using traditional materials such as smoked moose hide, trims and bead work, are a way of continuing the Dene culture, Moses said.
"A lot of traditional skill is being lost, so it's in a way preserving culture and teaching them all kinds of techniques," he said.
The vests originate from the period after colonization began when trading activity was happening, he said.
Grandmothers would make the vest for their grandchildren or wives would make them for their husbands.
That's just what Snider was doing.
The vest she made will go to her husband.
Starting from basic design patterns for the various pieces of the vest, the raw materials for the pieces were cut by workshop participants and the decorative elements selected.
The pieces were then sewn together with sewing machines brought by participants, though many were learning how to use the machines from Moses.
Snider said she's been interested in any kind of workshop to help her learn and develop skills.
"I feel great, I feel excited. I don't want to leave until it's done," she said as she continued working on the vest.
"I'm finding that the patterns are a lot easier than I thought it would be," Snider said.
"Anyone can make a vest. I recommend it."
Jessie Horesay said while she's made slippers before, it was her first time making a vest.
She also said she was enjoying the experience.
The finished vests will be on display during a coffee house Nov. 21 in the village recreation centre beginning at 6 p.m.
