'A big achievement': Come Sew With Auntie teaches parka making in Behchokǫ̀
CBC
Sewing machines whirr away and the room is full of laughter as a group of ladies work hard to finish their parkas at the Kǫ̀ Gocho Centre in Behchokǫ last Friday.
Mercedes Rabesca goes from machine to machine, checking if anyone needs help, while Dorathy Wright, a Gwich'in quilter and artist imparts her expertise and knowledge to each sewer for the week long event.
This is the first time Come Sew With Auntie is holding a parka making workshop.
Rabesca said she is "trying to bring a more traditional Dene mixture of lessons to the community so everyone has an opportunity to sew."
Participants at Come Sew With Auntie, have made beaver mittens, moccasins and mukluks and beaded items like popsockets for phones.
Rabesca usually sources materials and applies for grants to run workshops. This time, she received support from Tłı̨chǫ Government Community Wellness department.
The department donated 10 sewing machines, which Rabesca said will enable her to offer more workshops in the future, like making hunting bags.
Someone also anonymously donated three Singer sewing machines, she said.
Rabesca said Hannah Beaulieu, 15, who used a sewing machine for the first time at the event, is a fast learner.
"I'm proud," said Beaulieu. "Making this jacket actually made my day."
She's giving the parka to her little sister, and she said making it was hard work.
"[My mom] says don't give up, you got this. So she gave me the encouragement to do this and I finished it perfectly," said Beaulieu.
Her mother, Felicia Beaulieu, said Hannah's relatives are already calling with orders.
"I'm one proud momma," she said.