The Curious Case of the Kul-e-Tuk Parka: Appropriation of an Inuit Garment

Discover the story of appropration of an Inuit garment with Alexis Walker, Associate Curator, Dress, Fashion and Textiles. https://www.musee-mccord-stewart.ca/en/activities/mccord-stewart-discoveries/ In 1959, the Kul-e-Tuk parka made its debut on the Canadian market and was touted as the ultimate Canadian winter coat. Erased from the success of the Kul-e-Tuk, however, were the Inuit people from whom the style was appropriated. This talk explores the complicated history of the Kul-e-Tuk, its connection to Montreal’s garment manufacturing industry, the synthetic fibre revolution of the post-war era, winter sports, and colonial projects in the Arctic. Lecture presented on March 22, 2024, as part of the McCord Stewart Discoveries series.