Traditional Brain Tanning of a Hide Demonstration

Come join us in Spirit Square with Mu’la artist Shawn Decaire for a traditional brain tanning of a hide demonstration.

In connection with the current exhibition Mu’la, Decaire wishes to create a space of knowledge sharing and community connection.

At this demonstration Decaire will discuss the traditional, pre-contact, way of processing raw hide to tanned leather, while discussing Indigenous historical and ceremonial uses of the finished material.

Facilitator Bio:

Shawn Decaire descends from the We Wai Kai tribe of the Laxwaxdaxw Nation.

In 1999 he lived as a member of the homeless population on the streets of the downtown eastside, after which he went home and began to heal from addiction by learning his cultural ways in art and song. Over the last 20+ years he has learned to carve by hand and chainsaw, make traditional bentwood boxes, design and paint in his cultural way, process animal skins to make traditional leather and hand drums, and harvest and gather traditional foods and barks. All these practices were taught to him by different Kwakwaka’wakw Elders. Shawn Deciare was the Walter Morgan Studio artist in residence for 2022.

This demonstration will be held in Spirit Square (right next to the Campbell River Art Gallery) rain or shine, please dress for appropriate weather.

See you there!