Fonds - Jill Oakes fonds

These patterns were collected during Jill Oakes and Rick Riewe's numerous research trips to northern communities. Jill's research documents the factors influencing skin clothing production throughout the circumpolar region and focuses on how information is passed on from one generation to the next, why skin clothing traditions are culturally important, and the role seamstresses play in recording their cultural history into their families' clothing.

The collection consists of over 200 clothing patterns in a variety of styles created by Inuit artisans to depict differences in clothing styles and construction in various regions of the north. The collection also includes photographs depicting skin preparation and pictorial instructions for measuring and pattern layouts. There is also one artifact.

For each garment, pattern pieces were stored in a separate plastic envelope and catalogued in three-ring binders. Some patterns of similar construction were combined in the envelopes.

There are no restrictions on viewing this material however the original creators retain copyright on use of the patterns. Due to their cultural significance, only those of Inuit descent may use them to create clothing items. They are not to be duplicated.

University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections Jill Oakes fonds
The A.03-123 and A.04-209 accessions consist of materials related to Oakes' research including correspondence, product development and marketing reports for the Minnguq Sewing Group. Also included are numerous artifact cards for the various materials collected by Oakes and her husband, Rick Riewe, on their collecting trips and for display in Oakes' exhibitions. The photograph collection includes one photo album (116 photographs) of the Minnguq Sewing Group of Broughton Island, 76 photographs and 75 negatives from Oakes trip to Denver, Colorado museums in 1997, and 4 VHS and 9 U-Matic videocassettes documenting bird skin clothing preparation for the "Coats of Eider" project. Also included are 2 audio cassettes describing the bird skin clothing process. Much of the commentary contained on these audio cassettes is in Inuktitut.

Photocopies of 160 patterns were donated to the Canadian Museum of History and Inuit Cultural Institute.

Garments at Canadian Museum of History, Manitoba Clothing and Textile Museum, Bata Shoe Museum.

Contents in this fonds are in the process of being reorganized, researched and rehoused. Information is subject to being corrected or changed.