YC Partners With Local Artisan Society in Program

Yukon College is a contributing partner in the Northern Cultural Expressions Society’s cultural resilience programs. The Society (formerly the Sundog Carving Studio program) along with Yukon College’s First Nations Initiatives and the School of Access join together to provide courses in drum making and regalia design. Yukon College provides its space with the industrial sewing machines and funding for materials.

Students learn about the knowledge and culture of traditional crafts. Both the First Nations Initiatives and the School of Access at Yukon  College support the Northern Cultural Expressions Society in a partnership that encourages cultural development and sustainability. “We are pleased that we can partner with a community group that has created some strong programming for its residents,” comments Jeff Wolosewich, Acting Dean of the School of Access, “Our students benefit by increasing their cultural knowledge and learning about a sustainable craft”.

“This is an opportunity for our students to become involved in a craft that is culturally significant to the First Nations in the region”, says First Nation Support Randall Tetlichi, “We asked elders to participate who make historical contributions and assist in facilitating the process.” Patti Jim shares his spiritual knowledge about the creation of a drum, which is used as a ceremonial piece; Tim Ackerman and Andre Paul guide the participants in its construction. Mavis Stewart provides her traditional knowledge of the craft. Lee-Anne Dorval and Wayne Carlick instruct in the fundamentals of industrial sewing with measuring, sizing, and cutting as well as provide their expertise in creative design. The students are creating drum bags, shoulder bags, and ceremonial vests with authentic materials like abalone, bone, and hide. 

The course is open to Sundog participants, Yukon  College students, and there are a few seats open to the public. The current course runs until Friday, March 19.