Paulatuk residents were thankful this past Thanksgiving Monday as several of them attended a mitten-making workshop hosted by the RCMP.
According to a news release from the Mounties, the Monday’s workshop saw several community members learning how to make traditional Inuvialuit fur mittens.
“It was a huge success, with great stories and laughter” states Cpl. Cara Streeter, Detachment Commander for Paulatuk RCMP. “I cannot wait to see the finished products. Starting and finishing a handmade item is such an accomplishment and builds a sense of pride.”
Elders guided the workshop, and each participant made their own pattern, cut their materials and are in the process of sewing them together.
Elders Lily Ann Green and Susan Ruben teaching how to make fur mittens (Photo courtesy of RCMP)
RCMP say one of the participants commented that it was “so nice to see the police connecting and hanging out with us”, and another mentioned they enjoyed the workshop and would love to have the chance to gather more often.
The workshop was made feasible through an RCMP grant program.
In early 2019, Paulatuk RCMP applied for the grant through the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund, and were successful in securing funds to host two workshops: a mitten workshop, and parka workshop.
The goal of the workshop was to raise awareness and create conversation around domestic violence, create positive relationships with the police and carry on traditions of Inuvialuit culture.
The next session for the mitten workshop is scheduled for this Thursday where participants will finish their mittens and complete the liners. The parka making workshop will be held in November, and already, residents are looking forward to it.
The nearly completed mittens
(Photo courtesy of RCMP)
