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For many centuries, Dene women from the Fort Liard area have been using bark
from local birch trees to make beautiful baskets.
The natural waxes in birchbark make it waterproof and rot
resistant. Spruce gum can be put on the seams to seal the
basket for carrying water. Clay mixed with dried grass can be
applied to the inside of a basket to allow it to be used as a cooking
pot. Lids can be added to these versatile baskets to prevent spills and
allowing them to be used to store food, carry tools and bait, or hold berries
among many other things.
The world famous birchbark baskets of Fort Liard are skillfully hand
crafted. Each birchbark basket is unique, designed and decorated
according to the maker's individual vision and creativity.
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