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ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦProudly Indigenous
The seal hunt is central to indigenous culture, sharing customs, skills and values passed down from generation to generation.
Our Mission
To bring awareness and to promote high quality, authentic, creative Seal Fur and Seal Skin Leather accessories. As well as, footwear, clothing and home décor made by Indigenous crafters and designers.
Proudly Indigenous Certification
This Certification allows products harvested by Indigenous communities and/or made by Indigenous crafters. As well as to be marketed and sold on the Proudly Indigenous Crafts & Design (PIC&D) online store. PIC&D is working with recognized bodies to ensure consumers receive high quality and authentic Indigenous seal products.
The PIC&D logo depicts people in a circle holding hands, around the symbol of Inuit tradition and heritage, the “Ulu”. Each angle of the logo translates into a message of humaneness, unity and sharing. Traditionally, the Ulu, used by women, would be passed down from generation to generation.
It was believed that an ancestor’s knowledge was contained within the Ulu and thus would also be passed on.
Watch Angry Inuk!
Angry Inuk is a 2016 Canadian documentary film written and directed by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril that defends the Inuit seal hunt.
The hunt is a vital means for Inuit peoples to sustain themselves. This documentary made a huge difference in changing people’s minds about the Inuit seal hunt.
Preserving Culture & Heritage
Seal has been and continues to be a natural part of the ecosystem of the North and all Indigenous coastal communities.It was and is a means for Inuit to provide food for their families and community. As well as more recently, it allow hunters and women to participate in the cash economy.
The revenue that is generated from seal hunting has been used to purchase alternative food and shelter. Also revenue to purchase hunting equipment and more to sustain families.
From Canada’s North
The Inuit have been hunting seal for over 4,000 years. Seals were one of the most valuable animals in a challenging landscape as every part of the animal was relied upon.
This includes the pelt for warm, waterproof clothing, boots, and shelter; the leather and sinew for harnesses. Also the fat/oil for heat and light; and meat to feed themselves. Our crafters and their products are steeped in history and culture.
“In Canada’s north, where store-bought meat is expensive. As single ringed seal can provide the equivalent of $200 or more worth of meat to a family. As well as a much higher level of nutrition.”
