Urban Moose Hide Tanning Residency

Overview

Become a part of the international Indigenous resurgence of traditional hide tanning. Learn from Dene Nahjo’s experienced hide tanning instructors and Dene Elder hide tanning Masters. 

Hide tanning is a beautiful cultural gift practiced by Indigenous nations all over the world. The practice includes countless methods and techniques, and the materials used vary from region to region.  This program offers one set of techniques used by some Dene peoples of Denendeh, but there are countless other methods used in Denendeh alone. 

What does the program offer?

During this intensive program, participants will become comfortable with the basics of hide tanning. The program is intended as a starting point for participants to continue on their hide tanning journeys through experiential learning and respectfully seeking guidance from knowledge holders. 

The program will cover: 

• How to set up basic structures required for de-hairing, fleshing, thinning, softening, and smoking hides.
• A hide tanning process from start to finish (weather permitting), by working hard every day, watching the Elders and instructors, and helping each other.
• Important Dene protocols about how to respect the animal and the natural materials harvested for the process. Respecting and following these protocols are critical elements of this program.
   

Who should apply?

Applicants should be eager to learn to tan hides, enjoy working hard, and appreciate handling raw animal parts and hair. Applicants should also have a deep respect for holistic creation and traditional land-based processes as well as the cultural protocols of their mentors, and a desire to work on hides in a group.

The ideal participant is open-minded, comfortable asking for help and clarification, and is able to respect and follow the protocols of their mentors, even if they may not agree with or understand the protocols completely. 

Teams of two (partners, friends, community members, etc.) are welcome to apply, but must indicate if they wish to work together on a shared hide.

Note: participants should be mentally prepared for the physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding work involved in this program. This program involves physically strenuous work. Hands and arms will become sore from repetitive actions. Participants may become frustrated with parts of the process; and it is important to have strategies for remaining positive. Instructors will share strategies with participants.