Traditional Hide Tanning

Hosted by Elder Larry Mistakenchief and Kelly Gordon of Alberta Land-Based Education

Step into a fully hands-on, land-based experience that immerses you in Indigenous traditional teachings and skills. At Early Dawn Farm, our indoor/outdoor space provides the perfect setting to connect, socialize, and work alongside others as you learn the time-honored art of hide tanning.

This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from Blackfoot Elder Larry, whose 60+ years of experience in traditional hide tanning are being shared through the incredible work of Alberta Land-Based Education. Under his guidance, you’ll take a raw elk hide through every phase of the tanning process—ending with a beautifully smoked finish.

Date: May 23rd, 2026

Time: 8am-4pm

Cost: $350

Where: Early Dawn Farm

Registration: Spaces are limited, and it is first come first served.
THIS WORKSHOP IS NON-REFUNDABLE due to upfront out of pocket expense

What You’ll Learn:

Building spruce frames & lacing
Skinning and fleshing techniques
Wet and dry hair removal
Dry scraping and tool use
Preparing traditional brain recipes
Softening, wringing, and handling hides
Tripod building
Smoking an elk hide

This is a hands-on day of learning, working, and connecting—not just with the craft, but with traditional knowledge and community of the people around you.

Learn more about Alberta Land-Based Education

Alberta Land-Based Education is all about connecting people with the land through Indigenous teachings and hands-on experiences. Founded by Kelly Gordon, who grew up in Inuvik, NWT, the organization grew from her desire to reconnect with traditional ways of living and learning from the land.

Kelly leads workshops that teach skills like brain hide tanning, traditional butchering, and making dried meat. Students get a true “on-the-land” experience, learning directly from Elders and experienced practitioners.

Everyone is welcome—whether you’re Indigenous and looking to reconnect with your roots, or simply curious and eager to learn traditional land-based skills. These workshops aren’t just about learning a craft—they’re about working together, connecting, and sharing knowledge in a hands-on, supportive environment.