Carrying on the Tradition of Moosehide Tanning

Liidlii Kue First Nation uses Women’s Wellness Grant to transmit tanning knowledge

Giving back to the communities that are part of its ownership group is an important part of Dehcho Regional Helicopters’ mandate. Every year each of the seven Limited Partners can apply for a Youth Infrastructure Grant and a Women’s Wellness Grant that are funded through our agreements with Great Slave Helicopters.

Liidllii Kue First Nation (LKFN) used their $4,000 Women’s Wellness Grant in 2000 to fund a moosehide tanning program. The idea came from the participants in the First Nation’s sewing circle who expressed interest in learning this traditional skill, said Roslyn Firth, LKFN’s wellness coordinator.

Louisa Moreau, a respected elder, artist and moosehide tanner, led the program at her home in the village. Approximately 15 people watched and participated in the beginning stages of the tanning process, which were practiced on two hides.

When the tanning process is completed, those hides will be used for projects at the sewing circle by the very participants who helped tan them.