Sealaska, PIA to teach sea otter skin sewing class to strengthen cultural identity

Sealaska and Petersburg Indian Association are holding a sea otter skin sewing class from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 to give native Alaskans the opportunity to become closer to their roots.

"Alaskan natives have been working with marine mammal fur since time immemorial," said Marcus Gho, a contractor with Sealaska who will be teaching the class. "It's a good opportunity to learn a little more and strengthen our identity."

Participants in the class will work with the pelts to sew items like hats and scarves. On the first day, participants will be wetting and stretching the skin. By the second day,...