Hide Tanning Camp

Province: Northwest Territories

Community:

• Fort McPherson NT
• Tuktoyaktuk NT
• Tsiigehtchic NT

The Hide Tanning Camp brought community members together to learn the traditional Indigenous practice of tanning animal hides from start to finish.

Guided by experienced instructors and Elders, participants worked through every stage of the process, including fleshing, scraping, stretching, softening, and smoking hides using traditional methods.

The camp welcomed approximately 100 participants, creating a space where traditional knowledge could be shared across generations, every attendee had the opportunity to learn and practice each step firsthand!

Elders offered cultural teachings, stories, language, and encouragement throughout the program, while participants worked together to support one another through the physically demanding process.

Children also joined in, gaining hands-on exposure to an important cultural practice.
Beyond learning a traditional skill, the camp helped strengthen cultural identity, build confidence, and preserve knowledge that has been at risk of being lost.

The success of the program has generated interest from other communities and organizations seeking similar workshops, demonstrating the growing desire to revitalize Indigenous cultural practices.

Through initiatives like this, True North Aid supports community-led programs that ensure traditional knowledge continues to be passed on to future generations.