Stitches in time: Handmade dolls portray Yukon's francophone history

When Yukon's francophone association tried to think of a way to mark Canada's 150th anniversary this year, the decision was made to think small.

As in, doll-sized.

Members of L'associationfranco-yukonnaise (AFY) have crafted a collectionof hand-made dolls, representing prominent French-speaking Yukoners, from the 19th century to the present.

"We had this idea of the project, to do a fusion between arts and craft, and cultural and history things," said Audrey Percheron of AFY, who coordinated the "Stitches in Time" project.

The organizers enlisted the help of local artist CcileGirarda skilled and experienced doll-maker to hold workshops where participantsdesigned and made their own dolls.

Each participant also chose the historic figure they wanted to depict.

There are 21 in all, including likenesses of FatherJean-Marie Mouchet,wielding a setof skis and poles, Klondike stampederLorenzo Ltourneau,with a tiny gold pan full of nuggets, andCcileGirardherself, sporting a bright pink coat with fur trim.

"Every doll was hand made, with recovered and recycled materials. And of course, all of them have their own story," said Percheron.

"We learned so many things about different people."

Novice doll-makers

For Girard, the project was a way to marry two of her passions doll-making, and history.

"I was excited. I was absolutely enthusiastic," she said.

Her skills honed over a lifetime proved essential to the project. Some of the project's volunteers had never sewn a stitch before, let alone fashioned a doll.

"Some never did use a needle, or did that type of art, so they needed a little direction. But everybody was in it, 100 per cent," Girardsaid.

"The results are quite beautiful."

Now, the dolls are going on the road, for a series of free "bilingual expo discussions" being organized by l'AFYin Haines Junction on Saturday, Dawson City on Oct. 26, and Whitehorse on Nov. 10.The public events will allow people to see the dolls, learn about the characters, and talk to Girard and the doll-makers.

What happens to the dolls after that?

"That's the big question," said Girard.

They belong to the people who made them, but Girardhopes they can find a home somewhere, together.

"Because they're like a big family now ...it will be sad to split them."