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

Presentation by Alexis Walker, Associate Curator, Dress, Fashion and Textiles.

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.

McCord Stewart Discoveries

In the McCord Stewart Discoveries, the Museum’s experts present the research projects they’ve been working on and share their recent discoveries related to the Museum’s collections and archives. The event is geared towards an academic audience as well as anyone interested in history and archives, museum studies, or material culture.

• The talks will take place in French or English
• Series of talks presented on Friday, March 22, 2024