FROM HIDE TO LEATHER: TANNING WORKSHOP
Interested in learning how to turn a deer hide into leather? Thompson Island Cultural Camp (TICC), in partnership with the Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program (ARAP), is inviting community members to take part in a two-day hide-tanning workshop.
Participants will learn how to transform a fleshed deer hide (with the hair already removed) into leather using egg-tanning, softening and smoking techniques. Each hide will be worked on by a pair of participants, who will then share the finished leather.
Workshop Details
- Dates: November 14–15, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day
- Location: Tsionkwanatiio (345 Route 37C, Akwesasne, NY)
- Lunch: Provided both days
There are 13 hides available, with two participants assigned to each hide. Since this is a hands-on, physically intensive workshop involving hours of stretching and working the hide, registration in pairs is requested. Spaces will be selected through a lottery process.
Participants are encouraged to dress warmly for the weather, wear clothing they don't mind getting dirty, and bring a reusable water bottle. The workshop will take place primarily outdoors.
Interested in participating? Register with a partner using the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclj-bOReJVH1pTKPc1LC7qCDx893r650wqNUgtA31z4K49Rw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
If you have any questions, please reach out to Thompson Island Cultural Camp at ticc@akwesasne.ca.
