Harry Whiskeychan, born in the bush 40 miles from Waskaganish on December 25, 1928. He was inspired by late John Blueboy in the art of tamarack making. In 1974, he made his very first tamarack decoy, "it wasn't much of a decoy," says Harry. After 24 years, he has become one of the finest artists in the art of tamarack making. He has inspired and taught many young people over the years. He makes both flying, and sitting tamaracks. "I can make a tamarack moose if I tried," comments Harry.
Harry has traveled to Toronto Ontario, Vald'or Quebec, Chibougamou Quebec, Moose Factory Ontario and Chisasibi Quebec to display his art work. Harry enjoys what he does, and it has become one of his favorite hobbies. Harry can make 5 small decoys in single day. "Small decoys are harder and takes longer to make," comments Harry. "The prices may vary depending on the size," concludes Whiskeychan.
Today in Waskaganish, not many people practice and know about our old arts and crafts. Harry is sure one of our role models in the field of Cree Arts and Crafts making. Tamaracks were used as decoys for hunting long time ago, but with darker tamaracks. Our tamarack decoys is a symbol to keeping our way of life and remembering our ancestors. |
