Paulatuk RCMP helping to create a tight-knit community, one stitch at a time

October 16, 2019
Paulatuk, Northwest Territories

News release

Images

Corporal Streeter learning to cut the fur
Work in progress, mittens

Residents in Paulatuk were grateful this Thanksgiving Monday as several were able to attend a mitten making workshop hosted by the RCMP.

The workshop, held on Monday, October 14th, saw several community members learning how to make traditional Inuvialuit mittens.

"It was a huge success, with great stories and laughter" states Cpl. Cara Streeter, Detachment Commander for Paulatuk RCMP.

Elders guided the workshop, and each participant made their own pattern, cut their materials and are in the process of sewing them together. "I cannot wait to see the finished products" adds Cpl. Streeter, and commented that starting and finishing a handmade item is such an accomplishment and builds a sense of pride.

One participant commented that it was "so nice to see the police connecting and hanging out with us", and another mentioned they enjoyed the workshop and would love to have the chance to gather more often.

The workshop was made feasible through an RCMP grant program. In early 2019, Paulatuk RCMP applied for the grant through the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund, and were successful in securing funds to host two workshops: a mitten workshop, and parka workshop.

The goal of the workshop was to raise awareness and create conversation around domestic violence, create positive relationships with the police and carry on traditions of Inuvialuit culture.

The next session for the mitten workshop is scheduled on Thursday, October 17th, where participants will finish their mittens and complete the liners. The parka making workshop will be held in November, and already, residents are looking forward to it.

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Contact information

Julie Plourde
Media Relations Officer
Northwest Territories RCMP – Yellowknife, NT
Office: (867)765-3712
RCMP.NTMedia-NTMedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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