Cultural Tourism

Lifeways workshop

Pendleton Moccasins

The importance of Pendleton material:

Prior to the time of contact we provided for ourselves by natural means.  Robes were made from materials in our environment such as hides and fur. The Coeur d’Alene people experienced their first contact with the non-natives in 1806.  It wasn’t until 3 years later we had introduction to trade.  The first fur traders known to the Coeur d’Alene were members of the Northwest Company, David Thompson who was a partner in the company.  Thompson and his men built the Kullyspell House.  September 1809 on Pend Oreille Lake near Hope Idaho.  The introduction of trade goods changed the use of traditional materials.  “Trade blankets” began to replace hide and fur robes. 

The Pendleton blanket and Pendleton material is a commercially made product.  However, Native America embraces its use.  The use and exchange of Pendleton material is important to our culture.  Pendleton is a highly valued material to us and is used in many aspects of our ceremonies.  We gift Pendleton to celebrate in our give-away ceremonies, births, marriages, name-giving’s, and as part of our funerary services.

Authentic Native American foot wear.  This workshop is an 8 hour hands on project that is Coeur d’Alene Tribal member guided.  It is a 2 piece moccasin pattern.  All materials are provided and lunch.  At the end of this course you will go away with a completed pair of moccasins for yourself.