Slavey, circa 1870; hood, dress, belt, leggings, moccasins
Canadian Museum of Civilization VI-N-6, VI-N-111, VI-Z-28, VI-Z-84, VI-Z-80

By the second half of the nineteenth century, the Dene were increasingly experimenting with, and selectively absorbing into their own clothing repertoire, new techniques (e.g. tufting), materials, and clothing styles introduced via the fur trade.

For example, this dress is of a traditional cut and materials (a single large moosehide, sewn with sinew), but European influence is evident in the collar, military-style epaulettes, and cuffs. Trade goods such as cloth, glass beads and brass buttons have been incorporated into the decoration.

Owindia, a Slavey girl born in 1879 near Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. From Owindia: A True Tale of the Mackenzie River Indians, Northwest America, written by her adoptive mother, Charlotte Selina Bompas, in 1886.