Beaver skinning traditions continues

Teenage boys gathered on a cold Sunday afternoon to watch the long-standing tradition of skinning a beaver. Teiohontsiakwente explained the art of trapping, skinning and preparing a beaver – from the fur to the tail, to preparing the meat for a meal, the goal is give thanks for their existence and to try and use every part of the beaver.

Teiohontsiakwente showing where to begin skinning the beaver.

The workshop was sponsored by the Massena Central Jr High Title VI program. Title VI is a federally funded formula grant program that currently services 270 Native students in the Massena Central School District. Their program continues to provide courses and services that support our Mohawk Language and Culture Instruction. They also provide academic instructional support and enrichment activities such as this workshop.

The beaver skinning workshop was open to all and held at Generation's Park. Teiohontsiakwente's friend, Angelo Johnson, joined him to assist in skinning the beaver and to tell stories. When trapping all kinds of things happen, so they had a lot of stories to share.

Once the beaver is entirely skinned, a special knife is used to remove the inner layer of fat.

(More pictures in original link)

Full story here.