Join Dene artisan Maria Rose Sikyea for a two-part instructional workshop series introducing the foundational techniques of Caribou hair tufting.
[If you weren’t able to attend the previous sessions — whether you had registered and received a refund or were unable to join — but would still like to participate, please feel free to reach out to me directly and I’ll be happy to provide a complimentary registration coupon for this session #1 Introduction to Tufting]
Session One – February 15
Participants will begin by learning how to tuft a circular form for a Caribou hair tufted stud project (included with the selected kit option). This session also includes an in-depth demonstration on the colouring and processing of Caribou hair, co-led by Caribou Curtis, Maria’s husband and collaborator.
Over the course of four hours, participants will explore:
- The history of Caribou hair tufting and Maria’s relational and cultural connection to the practiceMaria’s personal tufting process and methodology
- How to properly prepare a tufting workspace
- Fundamental knotting and tufting techniques
- Hide preparation and a step-by-step demonstration of colouring and processing Caribou hair
Session Two – February 22
In the second session, participants will focus on advancing their technical skills through freehand floral tufting designs using Caribou hair. Instruction will begin with single-colour floral compositions, followed by techniques for incorporating colour variation and depth into designs later in the session.
Materials Included – Kit #1(Circular Tufted Studs, Caribou Hair Colouring Demonstration, and Floral Design Scissor Case)
- Circular bases for tufting, backing, studs, and beads for edging
- LDH tufting scissors, hide for scissor case, and backing
- Bundle of four pre-coloured Caribou hair pieces plus one white piece
- Thread, needles, toothbrush, beading mat, and stabilizer
- Moose hair bundle for comparative learning
- Simple instructional outline
- Zippered pencil case for tool storage
- Paper bag for respectfully offering or burning Caribou hair scraps
A third kit option featuring different materials is available separately as Kit #2 in the online store and corresponds to Session Three: Micro Tufting Pendant (March 1, 2026). This advanced session is designed for participants who have prior tufting experience and wish to further develop their technical skills and explore more advanced tufting techniques.
The Micro Tufting Pendant session on March 1, 2026 will focus on advanced techniques for tufting smaller floral motifs and detailed shapes. The workshop will begin with a brief review of previously learned foundational skills, followed by a group check-in to assess participants’ progress and address any questions.Maria will then lead a demonstration of her micro tufting process, highlighting key technical considerations and best practices. As participants will already have hands-on experience and a strong foundation in knotting techniques, this session will place greater emphasis on the use of multiple colours of Caribou hair, intentional placement, and refined compositional strategies. Participants will also be shown examples of advanced applications to support skill development and creative exploration.
For additional information or inquiries, please contact: info@caribouwomancreations.com
or reach out via social media.
The Caribou Hair Tufting Workshop is primarily intended for Indigenous participants.
Individuals who are not Indigenous or who are not formally recognized by an Indigenous community and wish to attend are asked to contact the organizer directly in advance to discuss their interest in the workshop and to complete a waiver. Space for non-Indigenous participants is limited and subject to approval.
Registration by non-Indigenous participants without prior communication and confirmation may result in removal from the workshop to ensure the space remains aligned with its intended purpose.
Email: Info@caribouwomancreations.com
