With a blistering -40ºc winter and a sweltering +30ºc summer, the Tlicho people of subarctic Canada live in harmony with a remote and hostile environment that boasts some of the most extreme temperature changes on earth.

Now the National Museum of Scotland’s moving new exhibition Extremes not only highlights the traditional skills and crafts the Tlicho have used to thrive in these harsh conditions but also the beneficial relationship they developed with Scotland after they won the rights to self govern their own land.

The exhibition describes how the successful land claim led the Tlicho to rediscover the National Museums of Scotland’s collection, which inspired them to begin a journey to connect with their own past.

Dating from 1858 to 1862, the unique collection contains some of the oldest surviving Tlicho objects and documents the people’s long history of working and trading in the 39,000 sq km Canadian territory.

Chantal Knowles, Principal Curator of Oceania, Americas & Africa, said: “This partnership has been fantastic. The Museum has been able to expand the current collection of fascinating Tlicho artefacts and gained a greater knowledge of the objects. The exhibition has also been an inspiration to the Tlicho community, encouraging them to revive and celebrate traditional styles.”

As well as exciting information on the developing relationship between the two cultures, the original and updated collections will also be on display.

On show will be artefacts which examine how the Tlicho have adapted available natural resources to survive in their extreme surroundings and create beautiful objects, such as a ‘hunting bag’ (c1860) made from the lower legs of a caribou. The bag was used to preserve and protect dried meat from wind burn while travelling.

Many items on display, such as a ‘man’s summer outfit’ (c1859), highlight the clear progression of European influences on the Tlicho people.

The everyday outfit is made from caribou skin and moose hide sewn with sinew and the effects of increased European trade can be seen in the shirt’s high military collar.

John B Zoe, an executive officer of the Tlicho government, said: “We are trying to stay faithful to our culture whilst also integrating into modern Canadian society. This is why the National Museum’s collection became of interest - it provides a material link to our past.”

Exhibition opens on Friday 16th May and runs until Sunday 5th October 2008.
Open daily 10:00-17:00