From Treaty Six Territory – Join Cree Elder, Ekti Margaret Cardinal, and Metis Artist MJ Belcourt in a remarkable day of mini-doll making and working with rawhide to create small storage bags – which will also be painted. The activity is led through storytelling and shared knowledge, and participants will learn about the materials, designs, makers, and purposes of these functional art forms. This intimate occasion will allow you to sit with these remarkable artists and work with your hands as you learn leather stitching techniques and making-processes which apply to a variety of possibilities. All-natural materials are supplied (buffalo down hair, deer hide, moose hide, rawhide and sinew) sewn by hand, and you carry home your creations.
Sunday October 4, 2026 at the Confluence Cultural Centre – Calgary
(former site of Fort Calgary) – 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5E1
Time of the workshop – 10:00 AM – 2:30 (3:00) PM
Presented by The Canadian Academy of Mask and Puppetry with support from the Confluence Cultural Centre
Note: There are only 13 spots available for this workshop.
ARTIST BIO
Ekti Margaret Cardinal is an Indigenous Elder and Knowledge Keeper from Saddle Lake Cree Nation. Over the last five decades, Cardinal has established herself as a respected tipi-maker, educator, and cultural ambassador, carrying forward teachings passed down through generations. In 2006, Cardinal participated in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D. C. representing Alberta’s culture through her tipi, tents, and dolls.
Beyond her renowned craftsmanship, Cardinal’s role as Elder and Knowledge Keeper allows her to share her insight in many other ways. She was a long-time instructor in Northern Lakes College’s Aboriginal Arts program, and remains the longest-serving member of the Regional Environmental Action Committee (REAC). She is also the “Resident Kokoom” at the Young Indigenous Women’s Circle of Leadership gatherings each year.
Cost: The workshop is $100.00 per participant and includes all materials. – All proceeds go to the artists.
For more information and to register please contact – Peter Balkwill – pete@theoldtrouts.org