Dene Routes

Dene Routes Dene Routes,shares heritage through presentations. Join me on this cultural journey!

Why I chose caribou hair tufting as one of my experiences.I chose caribou hair tufting because it is more than an art fo...
09/02/2026

Why I chose caribou hair tufting as one of my experiences.
I chose caribou hair tufting because it is more than an art form to me. It is a connection to our ancestors.
Caribou hair tufting is an ancient Athapaskan art form that predates European contact. It carries knowledge, creativity, patience, and a deep relationship with the land and the animals who have sustained our people for generations. Many First Nations have created beautiful art using caribou and moose hair. Each Nation has its own traditions, ways of working with these materials, and stories connected to them. I honour and respect those traditions while sharing the Dene connection that I have been learning and reconnecting with.
I don’t own the caribou, and I don’t claim ownership over this art. I am simply grateful to be able to work with what the caribou has given us and to share a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The creator has provided caribou and sinew to our people for thousands of years, and our ancestors knew how to use these gifts with purpose, respect, and gratitude. I also chose to stay with the natural colours of the caribou hair. After all, I’ve lived in the North long enough to know one thing for sure,I’ve never seen a pink, purple, or orange caribou running across the tundra! 😂
There’s something beautiful about keeping it natural. The colours already belong to the land,the whites, creams, browns, greys and soft natural tones. We don’t need to change what the caribou has already given us.
For me, sharing caribou hair tufting through Dene Routes is part of reconnecting with who we are and keeping this knowledge moving forward.
Every piece of caribou hair, every stitch, and every design is a small connection between the past and the present.
I want people to experience more than simply making something with their hands. I want them to understand that they are participating in a tradition with deep roots in Dene history and culture.
This is why I chose caribou hair tufting, to honour our ancestors, respect the gifts the Creator has given us, and help carry our knowledge forward for the generations to come.

Some journeys are guided by something greater than ourselves.Today, I was honoured to fly to the Seal River to learn abo...
08/04/2026

Some journeys are guided by something greater than ourselves.
Today, I was honoured to fly to the Seal River to learn about the shore birds and to visit a sacred crossing place where our Elders say Dene once left offerings of tea, to***co, or clothing. They also taught that this great rock was placed there by the Copper Mine Woman.
Standing before that sacred rock, I made my own offering and prayed for our people, for our ancestors, and for the journey I have been called to walk.
In that very place, I was gifted an eagle feather.
To me, it was more than a gift. It was a reminder that when we walk with humility, honour our ancestors, and follow the path the Creator has placed before us, we are never alone.
Every opportunity that has come through Dene Routes feels like part of that journey. I carry each one with gratitude and a promise to continue sharing our history in a good way.

Masi cho.

Today my heart is full of gratitude.I feel deeply blessed to have been gifted these beautiful cradleboards by Debbie Lar...
07/30/2026

Today my heart is full of gratitude.
I feel deeply blessed to have been gifted these beautiful cradleboards by Debbie Larsen Onischuck. They were entrusted to her with the hope that one day they would return to the North, where they belong.
It is an honour to receive them and to give them a place of respect within Dene Routes.
Masi cho, Debbie, for entrusting me with this precious gift. I accept it with a grateful and humble heart.

A great evening!
07/27/2026

A great evening!

07/11/2026

No words,just pure pride and a very full heart. ❤️

07/11/2026

A special thank you to Lazy Bear Lodge, Seaport Restaurant, Tundra Inn, and Churchill Motel for opening your doors and helping provide comfort and care, and meals. Thank you as well to everyone who volunteered, offered rides, delivered luggage, and quietly helped behind the scenes.

Mary Ann and I first met online. We chatted online for a few years. Recently we had the opportunity to meet in person.I ...
07/01/2026

Mary Ann and I first met online. We chatted online for a few years. Recently we had the opportunity to meet in person.
I am grateful our paths crossed, and I will treasure my shawl and mukluks even more because they carry not only your incredible craftsmanship, but also the friendship and teachings you have shared with me.
Masi cho for sharing your gifts, your knowledge, and a part of your heart with me. Mary Ann my friend!❤️🌹

06/29/2026

My dream is slowly becoming a reality, and my heart is filled with gratitude. I couldn’t be doing this without my husband, who has always believed in me, encouraged me, and supported my dreams every step of the way.

To everyone who has stopped by to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply cheer us on, thank you. Your kindness has meant more than you know.

This journey has reminded me that dreams are not built alone. They are made possible through the support, generosity, and belief of those around us. I am truly grateful and excited for what lies ahead.

06/15/2026

I had the privilege of listening to her story first hand,while enjoying a nice dinner at her restaurant with some amazing people.
Great food, warm and welcoming environment.
Only indigenous restaurant in Vancouver.
If you’re in the area, try out Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro.

Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase a very special caribou hide jacket that once belonged to the late Johnny Tho...
06/05/2026

Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase a very special caribou hide jacket that once belonged to the late Johnny Thorassie.

The jacket was made by Johnny’s mother, the late Caroline Thorassie, with Johnny helping her tailor it. Made entirely from tanned caribou hide, it is a remarkable example of the skill, patience, and hard work of our people. From the hunt, to tanning the hides, to the beadwork, tailoring, and sewing, every step required knowledge passed down through generations. It is much more than a jacket,it is a piece of art and a reflection of our history and traditions.

This purchase was made possible because of my sister, Marlene. Johnny was her life partner, and she never forgot about the jacket after it was sold. Over the years, she kept the contact information of the man who purchased it from Johnny. Because of her thoughtfulness, she was able to share that contact with me, giving me the opportunity to purchase the jacket.

As I look at it, I cannot help but wonder how much time went into creating it from start to finish. The planning, the harvesting of materials from the land, the tanning, the sewing, and the beautiful finishing touches all represent an incredible amount of work. It makes me appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship behind every handmade piece.

This jacket carries the hands, knowledge, and stories of Caroline and Johnny. It is a reminder of the talent and resilience of our people and the value of preserving these pieces for future generations. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to purchase it. Most of all, I am grateful to be able to safely keep it, care for it, and share its story with others so that the work and legacy of Caroline and Johnny will continue to be remembered.

The caribou carry the people’s history in their tracks, and the people carry the caribou in their hearts.

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Churchill, MB

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