North House Folk School

Hide Week Gathering Day 

Friday, May 15, 2026

As a special feature of this week, all classes will take a break on Friday to allow everyone to participate in group learning. Participation in the Gathering Day is free and does not require registration. The public is welcome to attend. Locations will be posted in the Welcome Center.

9am | Talk: Traditional Tanning: There is So Much More to Learn with Matt Richards

Guest instructor Matt Richards, never one to rest on his laurels, (having literally written the book on the subject) will discuss his ongoing inquiries, experiments, and unanswered questions in the field of traditional tanning. 

10:15am | Talk: Tanning in Scandinavia with Karl Karlsson

First time guest instructor Karl Karlsson will share the history and practices of leather tanning from the Nordic regions. Karl runs a small tannery near Stockholm, Sweden, and is one of a handful of Master Tanners in Sweden. 

11:30am | Panel Discussion: Community Learning and Cultural Revitalization

Hide tanning often brings together folks of many ages, experiences, and backgrounds to learn and work in community. Join a group of instructors working in their communities for a discussion of how community learning and cultural revitalization are happening in hide camp settings. 

2-4pm | Demonstrations

Drop by to meet and learn from hide tanning instructors and leatherworkers. Enjoy demonstrations, hands-on activities, and networking. Open to everyone. 

Evening Gatherings

May 12-18

All Hide Week students and the public are invited to attend these free gatherings. Locations vary and will be posted on the Welcome Center doors daily. 

Tuesday, May 12, 7pm | Community Night

An open evening to work on projects, start new experiments, or share ideas with fellow hide tanners and learners. Bring your own project and ideas. Some tools will be available for use. Don't have a project? No worries, we've got board games, or just come hang out. Musical instruments, friends, and snacks to share are all welcome. 

Wednesday, May 13, 7pm | Talk: Moose Hide Revolution: Hide Tanning Revitalization with Jean Marshall and Sarah Marshall

Sisters Jean and Leanna Marshall will present on efforts to revitalize this craft practice in Northwestern Ontario. 

Thursday, May 14, 7pm | Talk: Leather and Fur Clothing Sewing with Nate Johnson

Longtime maker Nate Johnson has decades of experience sewing and wearing leather and fur as year-round, everyday clothing, including pants, jackets, mittens, and more. He’ll share some stories, tips, and ideas for how to make the most of these resources. 

Saturday, May 16, 7pm | Talk: Kâniyâsihk Culture Camps: Traditions, Community and Cultural Revitalization through Land Based Education with Darla Campbell and Kevin Lewis

At kâniyâsihk, our hide tanning camp comes from nêhiyaw (Cree) ways of life rooted in the land, kinship, and seasonal harvesting. We carry forward teachings passed down through our families, Elders, and knowledge keepers—skills that were never just about survival, but about relationship, respect, and identity. Through fall harvesting, we honour the animals by using every part, transforming hides into clothing, tools, drums, and teaching materials. Hide tanning reconnects us to our ancestors, strengthens language learning, and builds community. It is a living practice of miyo pimâtisiwin—living a good life in balance with the land.

Sunday, May 17, 7pm | Community Night

A closing evening to work on projects to wrap up the week, finish ongoing experiments, or share ideas with fellow hide tanners and learners. Bring your own project and ideas. Some tools will be available for use. Don't have a project? No worries, we've got board games, or just come hang out. Musical instruments, friends, and snacks to share are all welcome.