New Exhibit Celebrates Rediscovered Moccasins After Wildfire Loss

A recently discovered collection of traditional moccasins is now on display at the Alex Robertson Public Library in Northern Saskatchewan. This exhibition comes after a devastating wildfire in June 2023 destroyed Robertson Trading, a beloved local landmark that housed an extensive collection of Indigenous artwork and regalia accumulated over more than five decades.

Scott Robertson, who unearthed the collection while cleaning out his father’s basement, expressed his emotional response to the find. “It’s fantastic to give people a taste of this stuff,” Robertson stated. He lamented the loss of approximately 200 to 250 pairs of fully beaded moose hide moccasins that were part of a display at the trading post. The moccasins, collected from local artisans, represented a significant part of the community’s heritage.

The collection now on display consists of 13 handmade moccasins, primarily crafted by Woodland Cree artisans and dating back around 30 years. These pieces showcase various designs, with some featuring geometric patterns and others adorned with floral motifs. “It’s all good quality stuff,” Robertson noted, highlighting that all the collars are fully beaded. “These are the real McCoys. This is the kind of thing that everybody’s great grandma used to wear.”

Before the wildfire, the Robertsons had planned an exhibit at the library but faced the possibility of cancellation due to the loss of their collection. The discovery of these moccasins has allowed them to share a part of their community’s history and craftsmanship with the public.

The official unveiling of the exhibit will take place during a special art reception on November 3, 2023, at 19:00. The community is invited to attend the event at the Alex Robertson Public Library, which aims to commemorate both the artistry of the Indigenous craftsmen and the resilience of the community following the tragedy of the wildfire.