NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: biology, vegetation, traditional knowledge, elders, traditional art, northern arts

Project Description: The objectives of this study are to: build a compendium of Northwest Territories' dyes; develop protocols for medium-scale, reproducible dyes; produce dyes from non-traditional sources available in the region; provide dyes for northern arts and crafts; and, obtain information needed to establish a community-based dye industry in NWT communities. The researchers will conduct interviews of elders about traditional dye protocols. The interviews will be conducted in person with people living in Inuvik and on the phone with people living in Sachs Harbour. The researchers will also collect samples of flowers, plants, berries, and lichen in the Inuvik area. They will use the samples to extract natural dyes and study their properties using Thin Layer Chromotography and Ion Exchange Chromatography. Finally, the dyes and dying techniques will be tested on wool, qiviuq and other fibers. The project will employ an Inuvik resident as a summer student to conduct interviews and collect samples. Copies of the final report prepared by the summer student, and a final report for the project will be sent to the relevant communities. The study will be conducted at Inuvik and Sachs Harbour, from July 14 to October 1, 2005.