An Iqaluit sewing camp, with 3 generations, proves a success

Three generations took part in a five-day pilot project in Iqaluit last week the first ever sewing camp led by Iqaluit seamstress Mary Wilman and her daughter Naomi Wilman.

Naomi's daughter, Leila, was one of the participants, who made beaded sealskin necklaces, earrings, and a cushion with an ulu sewn on the front.

"It was harder making the pillow because it's more detailed," Leila said.

While most of the girls were from Iqaluit, Horizon Willie came all the way from Arctic Bay to take part.

"I first chose the colour and the pattern and sew it the way they taught me," she saidin Inuktitut.

They girls also learned about Inuit culture, lighting a traditional oil lamp each day and making bannock.

Naomi says the week turned out better than imagined, and there's been overwhelmingpositive support, with one woman even donating money to pay for one of the campers.

"There is quite a demand for this type of program, so I think we will look into how we can continue," she said.

"Some people have shown interest and have asked about a men's group. We're thinking about doing a group for women in corrections, or women and their daughters. I think the possibilities are pretty endless."

Naomi has plans to find more funding for the program and to possibly expand to different age groups next year.