Thesis
The Role and Importance of Sewing to Inuit Women in the Canadian Arctic
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Arts, University of the Sunshine Coast
2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00410
Abstract
This research examines sewing activity with a cohort of Inuit women from the hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. This involves describing the importance of sewing to these Inuit women, how sewing knowledge is generated and transmitted and how sewing has changed over time. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 30 Inuit women over 18 years of age and participant observation by the author. The data show that sewing continues to be important to Inuit women of all ages, but under new conditions. Unlike the past when sewing was an essential skill, today sewing is a choice. There have been breaks in the transmission of sewing knowledge for many women, particularly those who, or their mothers, attended residential schools, but there has been a resurgence of interest in sewing later in life. Sewing knowledge continues to be transmitted through stories, observation and hands-on learning and now includes organised sewing groups. Sewing contributes to participant's health and the collective health of the community in several ways including, pride and sense of accomplishment, cultural identity, and a range of feelings. Sewing is an important source of income, and with the Internet, sewers have access to global markets, both to sell items and purchase materials and animal skins. As such, sewers no longer have to rely on having a hunter in their household to supply them with skins and are not limited by the seasonality of hunting. In conclusion, the findings reveal as much or more about cultural change, resilience and adaptability as they do about the importance of sewing. Despite undergoing sweeping societal changes, sewing continues to have cultural, health, economic, and practical importance to women in Ulukhaktok.
Details
- Title
- The Role and Importance of Sewing to Inuit Women in the Canadian Arctic
- Authors
- Kristin Emanuelsen
- Contributors
- Harriot Beazley (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Master of Arts
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00410
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450429902621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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