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Moose in the NWT
 The moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer
family. To the Dogrib they are known as Dendi, the Gwich'in call
them Dinjik, in North Slavey they are Æîts’é, and in Inuktitut they are
called Tuktuvak. Historically, native people relied heavily on them for
survival. The huge hides were at one time painstakingly tanned and sewn
together to cover large, spruce-frame boats. Moosehide leggings, coats, hats and
footwear were necessary apparel to ward off the severe cold. Moose meat was
essential to people subsisting in remote areas and the hides were used for
tents. A successful hunt was occasion for a feast, and the elders were honoured
with the head, which is a delicacy.
Today, the moose is still an important resource in many NWT communities.
With a single animal yielding as much as 300 kg of meat, it continues to be a
staple food for many. In addition, the hides are usually home-tanned and used
extensively for the making of garments and handicrafts. Most hunters and
trappers below the treeline still prefer handmade mukluks to manufactured winter
footwear, and moosehide is essential for their soles, as caribou hide is neither
thick nor tough enough. Moosehide is also used to make slippers or moccasins,
and heavy winter mitts. The art of
moosehair
tufting entails working with the hairs of the
moose, plucking, dyeing and sewing them into intricate floral patterns. |
