What is this camp about?

• This camp is a hands-on experience where you'll learn the traditional craft of hide tanning. It is held on Indigenous land, respecting the traditions and the land itself. It is meant for the community as a whole to gather and work on one goal together..to make hides! 

Do I need to come all 10 days? 

• To fully understand the whole process of hidework, which is the goal of this camp, we would hope that you can make it for all the 10 days (5 weekends in a row). Most importantly the first two days, as they will have a lot of information.  It's important to know that each weekend is a dedicated step of the process. Meaning that attending one day out of the ten days will only be a piece of the puzzle. Suwaay Hide Camp also understands everyone has a busy weekend schedule, so if you can at least dedicate coming on Saturday or Sunday for the whole day of each weekend in June that would be highly suggested for your own benefit.  We still believe you will get the experience you need to do hide-work, as we will have volunteers that can catch you up.

Who can participate?

• This is all ages, any race, and gender. You don’t need experience, just a willingness to learn and contribute. If you are non-indigenous please come in with the mindset to learn Indigenous traditions, which means please do not come with an intent to eventually monetize any knowledge gained. This Hide- Camp is open to all and free of charge, so please do not gatekeep this knowledge for others to learn. 

What will I be doing?

• You'll be involved in various stages of hide work, which includes cleaning, scraping, thinning, stretching, and smoking animal hides. From start to finish! 

What Should I bring?

• If you RSVP there will be more in depth emails of what to expect and what to bring. But for the basics: chairs, lunch, snacks, water, change of clothes if needed (no nice clothes, think yardwork clothes).

Will I receive training?

• Absolutely! We provide training on how to safely use all tools and materials and the techniques needed for hide tanning. As this is a collaborative learning environment, please help others if you see them struggling to understand. Parents, please make sure you are taking a little extra time to make sure your young one understands and is handling tools safely. 

What should I do in an emergency?

• Detailed emergency procedures and contacts will be provided when you start. Safety is a top priority. There will be emergency kits, fire extinguishers, and bathrooms all in the immediate area of the hide-camp. But please keep in mind the Suwaay Hide Camp, Tall-Bull Memorial Org, and all affiliates are not liable for any injury. Please make sure to take care of yourself and others!

How should I behave on this land?

• While on Tall-Bull Memorial Grounds, please act with the utmost respect for the surroundings and the community. Follow all guidelines provided to honor the land and its people. Tall-Bull is a conservation and important asset to the community. Collect all trash, pick up trash, stay on walking paths, and really just leave it better!

What are the benefits of volunteering?

• You’ll gain unique skills in setting up the hide camp, receive more one-on-one teaching, and help others learn hide work. You will also get a T-shirt and pin! 

Can I camp on TallBull Memorial Grounds?

• Yes! We absolutely encourage you to camp. Camping will be available Friday night and Saturday night. Please keep in mind that we are not providing the resources to camp, but instead, please bring anything that you would need to do a two-day camping experience. Tents, sleeping bags, clothes, food, medicine, etc all of your necessities. 

Can I bring my own unprocessed hides to work on during the camp?

• Absolutely. But please remember that this event is meant for the community to learn- I encourage you to ask a few people to help along with your hide. 

Can I donate any hides to the Suwaay Hide Camp?

• We at Suwaay Hide Camp would love to have a donated contribution to let many learn from the resources you provide! Please email us if you have any resources for us. Please make sure the hides have either been frozen or salted. 

 Is the camp location handicap accessible? 

• Unfortunately, this location is not very handicap accessible. The camp is outside with very limited paved pathways and no ramps—mostly just hilly terrain and grass. There are flat grass areas and bathrooms with paved sidewalks. 

Need more information?

• For more details, reach out to us at suwaayhidecamp@gmail.com