Bryan Roessel will lead this moccasin-making class for young participants, providing an engaging and educational experience in the art of crafting traditional Native American moccasins. Throughout the course, they will receive hands-on instruction on selecting and working with materials such as leather, beads, and thread. The curriculum will cover various moccasin styles, delving into their cultural significance and design elements, allowing youths to connect with their heritage and express their creativity. Through step-by-step guidance and expert instruction, participants will acquire valuable sewing and crafting skills, fostering a deeper appreciation for Native American traditions, all while creating their unique pair of moccasins.
This course is free of charge, but spaces are limited.
For more information and to apply, please click here! Please note that the class is exclusively open to youths and their accompanied guardians. Students must commit to attending all class sessions. Applicants will only be contacted if they are selected. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact mmonenerkit@heard.org.
About Bryan Roessel
Bryan Roessel, a proud member of the Red Running into the Water People Clan, born for the Towering House Clan, with maternal ties to the Saltwater Clan and paternal roots in Scotland, hails from the breathtaking Diné Bikeyah, also known as Navajo Land. Bryan is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of passions and skills. He is a skilled Diné silversmith, moccasin maker, basket weaver, photographer, writer, and an avid fisherman. However, above all, he is an enthusiastic hiker and backpacker, a love that began in his childhood while exploring the Chuska Mountains, a cherished playground for generations of his family.
The Chuska Mountains hold a special place in Bryan’s heart, and he feels truly at home amidst their scenic trails. It was during his first backpacking adventure at the age of 18 that Bryan’s passion for hiking and the great outdoors was ignited. For him, the natural world possesses a unique and profound allure, offering moments of powerful healing and astonishing wonder. As Bryan fondly recalls, “When you get to test your endurance on a backpacking trip, the universe opens up in a powerful, healing, and astonishing way,” a sentiment deeply rooted in the wisdom and spirit of his late Nali Hastiin.
