Starting Monday, March 16, 2026, youth in Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories, will take part in a week-long workshop to learn traditional sewing skills. Participants will work alongside their parents, guardians, or Elders to craft their own traditional vests, ensuring that important cultural knowledge is passed down to the younger generation.
The program is organized by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and will run daily through March 20, 2026. Skilled community crafters and Elders will lead the sessions, providing hands-on instruction in a supportive environment.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to keep the community connected to its heritage. Similar sewing projects have been successful in the past, including workshops that taught residents how to make traditional parkas and other clothing items.
By fostering direct mentorship between youth and knowledge holders, the workshop helps fulfill the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s 50-year vision statement to keep the culture and language strong. These sessions allow young people to learn practical skills while remaining deeply rooted in their ancestral traditions.
