Flora Cli

Region: 
Dehcho
Community: 
Nahanni Butte

Artist Story

We regret to advise readers that Flora has passed away. Her profile remains in her memory.

 

I was born close to Fort Providence. My grandma picked me up when I was a year old and brought me back to Two Island where my aunt Gobeh brought me up. She taught me to sew when I was nine years old, and by the time I was 11, I made myself a pair of moccasins after my aunt smoked the hide. It took three nights in a row until they were finished and I was so proud of myself.

I tanned my first moose hide when I was 13 years old, but I had been learning and watching my aunt since I was two so I knew how much work went into it. It takes a long time to cut the hair off and then stretch it and scrape it over and over again. It’s all worth it in the end though because I have a beautiful traditionally tanned hide that I can make any kind of art with – belts, card holders, gloves, mukluks and moccasins. I think everything I’ve ever wanted to make I made. I can’t remember how many things I’ve made – there are too many to count! I sew all the time. Even though my hands have arthritis they feel better when they are moving and working. I am proud to continue the traditions passed onto me by my mother and aunt. I have many patterns from them, which have been passed onto me and I will pass as well.

Last Updated: May 29, 2023

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