Traditional hide-tanning cannot be learned in a short time. It takes years of practical experience and skilled labour with the elder to understand the elements of Mother Nature that surround traditional hide tanning. The elder gives knowledge on how to respect the animal and its hide for everyday use.
Most importantly, traditional hide tanning offers a spiritual journey into understanding how to sew and wear the animal hide garments properly – hair side in, so your body can breathe, and flesh side out because the smoke makes it resistant to moisture and weatherproofing, plus the beautiful natural designs of the veins show.
Traditional hide tanning with an elder gives a living experience, allowing a sharing and bond to develop between teacher and student. Here, the student not only learns by watching and listening, but by doing firsthand work.
MOAPAA features two hide-tanning exhibits, both honouring the 13 steps in the Cree hide-tanning process. The first exhibit, located on the main floor of the college, shows the significance of hide-tanning as a way of life for Indigenous Peoples.
