Growing more than just sewing skills, in Rankin Inlet
The Arctic Inspiration Youth Prize recipients, who are partnered with One Plane Away, have been hard at work in Rankin Inlet under the leadership of team member and local program coordinator, Hilary Manik. Hilary is coordinating an eight-week sewing program where moms are learning to make winter clothing for their children. She is joined by instructor Michelle Kaludjak. The program will conclude this week with a celebration of the group’s achievements.
The program’s five participants gathered for the first time on December 9, 2024. Throughout the program, the women learned many different sewing skills, including pattern reading, re-sizing patterns (making them smaller or bigger), and learning how to make a parka, snowsuit, and/or wind pants from start to finish.
When asked what her favorite part of the program has been, program coordinator Hilary said, “I think my favourite part of coordinating this program is creating a safe space for participants to connect with each other and share something they are passionate about. It’s not just the sewing itself, but also the friendships, conversations, connections and trust in each other that happen.”
She added that participants are also “building self-confidence, making new friendships, and learning to take new risks with patterns they have never tried before. Some participants are learning sewing skills that were never taught to them.”
“Seeing everyone supporting each other, share skills, and feeling proud of the products they are creating is incredibly rewarding,” Hilary continued. “I have always had a passion around coordinating group projects and this was an opportunity for me to share my skills with others.”
As part of participating in the program, the women get to keep the sewing machines they have been using. The Arctic Inspiration Youth Prize team wishes to congratulate each participant on their hard work and beautiful creations. Keep sewing and creating! Quviana!
They also wish the thank the Arctic Inspiration Prize, whose generous award made the sewing program possible.
