The Athapaskan women have a long tradition of crafting brightly colored clothing and utility items decorated with traditional floral and geometric designs. While techniques have evolved over centuries as a result of experimentation and contact with European clerics, Dene crafts remain tangible historic records of Athapaskan culture and tradition. This repository brings together a collection of items that were hand crafted by the women of Fort Providence, Northwest Territories. In 1975, all featured Dene crafts were displayed at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Women’s World to recognize International Women’s Year.

 

The Dene Crafts collection was made possible by the vision and generous support of Dr. Margaret P. Hess, who donated all featured Dene crafts to Special Collections, University of Calgary.

 

The Dene Crafts digital collection is dedicated to the memory of Robyn Herrington.

 

Browse the Dene Crafts digital collection.