Hide fleshing demonstration in Carcross brings responsible harvesting practice awareness

Thursday, 3 August 2023 13:18

By Stuart Bonell

Carcross/Tagish First Nation land guardian Adam Winters fleshing the beaver hide he harvested from his personal trap line in April (Photo, S. Bonell)

Land Guardians from Carcross/Tagish First Nation teach the skill of hide fleshing and the importance of only taking what's needed, and using what's taken.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation land guardians spent three days demonstrating hide fleshing at the Carcross Commons, this week. Land guardian Adam Winters says that over a hundred people came to see their demonstration, and hopes they walk away with an important message going into the 2023 hunting season.

"We try to take only what we need, and use all that we take," said Winters. "That is the biggest message that we're trying to push here right now, just as we enter into the 2023 hunting season; to be mindful and respectful of the animals that you're going out to harvest."

The hides shown in the demonstration included three sheep harvested for a feast at Haa Ḵusteeyí this past weekend, a beaver Winters had harvested this spring from his own trap line, and a moose that had been salvaged after being hit by a car. According to Winters, the hides will be used in arts and crafts in the community.

"We'll use as much as we can," said Winters. "I mean, there's a lot of folks that are new to fleshing, so there's a few holes here and there, but fortunately, you don't need a very [big] piece of skin for a rattle. So, we'll use what we can. And even the tools and stuff. Like, if we can get little strips of babiche to put on a set of snowshoes, that's a win in our eyes."

Winters worked with fellow Carcross/Tagish First Nation land guardian Niko Helm at the demonstration in Carcross. They said that additional demonstrations may take place later this year.

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