‘These guys are really into it’: Led by Dene fashion designer, Dehcho men sew their own vests [Video]

Clad in a crisp white dress shirt, Wilbert Antoine, 77, puts the finishing touches on a vest he made. 

“It’s exhilarating,” said Antoine, beaming with pride about his first sewing project.  

His thoughts linger on his mother, a master seamstress who made her children moccasins and mitts before they left to residential school.

“It all got taken away,” said Antoine. “I’m very, very humbled and grateful to be able to do the things that my mom had made for me.”

Antoine is a member of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. He’s taking part in a sewing workshop for men — a first for the community.

Going into the workshop, he brought a vest his mother made for him 60 years ago for inspiration: a cherished white garment with dozens of pink flowers hand-embroidered down each side.