Honoring Life: Reflection on the use of animal fur

At Indigenous Crafts , we are deeply aware of the responsibility we have when we choose to work with animal fur. This decision was not taken lightly, and it is based on considerations that go far beyond the aesthetics or functionality of the materials we use. Our approach is rooted in a desire to honour the lives of animals and perpetuate ancestral traditions while respecting the sacred principles of Indigenous peoples.

Honor the life of animals

Animals have always occupied a central place in the evolution of humanity. Before man discovered agriculture, before he began building cities and creating complex societies, he was dependent on animals for survival. Animals provided not only food, but also materials for clothing, protection from the cold, and making tools. The relationship between man and animal has therefore been, from the beginning, one of dependence and mutual respect.

At Indigenous Crafts , we believe that the best way to pay tribute to these animals, who have unwittingly contributed to our contemporary evolution, is to value them after their death. By using the fur of animals that have already found their way to taxidermists, we do not waste this precious resource. We firmly believe that every animal deserves to be honored, and one of the ways to do this is to ensure that nothing of them is lost or forgotten.

An Indigenous Perspective: Animals as Sacred Beings

In indigenous cultures, animals are not simply resources; they are considered sacred beings. Every animal carries a spirit, and this spirit deserves to be respected. Indigenous peoples have always had a symbiotic relationship with nature, seeing in every living thing a reflection of their own existence. Using an animal’s fur doesn’t just mean taking something from nature; it is an act that requires recognition, gratitude, and respect.

When we work with fur at Artisanat Autochtone , we do our utmost to align ourselves with these values. We do not simply see a raw material, but a being that has lived, that has contributed to the balance of its ecosystem, and that continues to play a role even after its death. For us, each piece we create is a form of thanks, a way of perpetuating the memory of the animal and giving it a new life through art.

Promoting fur in a modern context

By using animal fur, we seek to create a bridge between traditional indigenous practices and the modern world. Our creations are not simply objects; they carry stories, traditions, and a philosophy that honors the cycle of life. By promoting fur, we remember that these animals have had a life, that they have played a role in nature, and that their contribution continues through craftsmanship.

Our commitment is to work in harmony with nature, respecting provincial and federal laws on taxidermy, but also respecting indigenous traditions which see in each animal a being worthy of respect. We hope that every person who wears or admires one of our creations will feel that deep connection with nature and the spirits of the animals that made this work possible.

At Indigenous Crafts , we believe that every gesture counts, and we strive to ensure that every piece of fur is used in a way that honors the animal from which it came. This is our way of contributing to the preservation of traditions, while respecting life in all its forms.

Photo : Animal Medicine Wheel Painting by Tina Heck