6 MARCH 15, 2003
Smoke Signals
Culture Department Teaches Members The Old Ways
Tribal member Dakota Whitecloud shares her knowledge of traditional moccasins.
A; M cK A
I 7
Wisdom In Her Words Tribal Member Dakota Whitecloud, well know locally for her We'll Walk Many Miles Each pair of moccasins is custom made for the
fine leatherwork, is teaching a moccasin making class. Here she holds a moccasin pattern and wearer by tracing the exact shape of their foot onto a paper pattern, which is the
explains it's importance to the class. Whitecloud said that she was very honored to be asked starting point for the moccasin.
to teach the class. Photos by Peta Tinda
In!
'J
1
1 .(J-1
( 7 i
.V
S .
I ' '"ft.. V ',.' . I
i P
)t r- r""
.'"Li .
v ' s:
i i
;i' X. X ' ' " ""'
A.
Passing On Her Knowledge Whitecloud is very personal in her style of teaching, making sure that each student gets plenty of one-on-one time with her. Here she
shows Tribal members Judy Martinez and John Langley how to trace the pattern on to the top quality leather Whitecloud uses for her moccasins.
Whitecloud's moccasins are made in the exact same way that her grandmother taught her. "The style she taught me is the same as I teach," she said. "Making moccasins reminds
me of what she was like." After the class is done the students will be able to make moccasins for friends and family members, keeping the tradition strong.
Helping Hands -The all-important pattern for the moccasins is traced onto
the leather. It is important to make sure the pattern runs with the grain of the
leather, to ensure a good fit without the leather stretching or shrinking.
n
if
:
7
4