From the Land to the Loom: Why Respect is My Most Important Tool
Most days, you won’t find me behind a computer screen or in the shop. My office is a little bigger than that—it’s the miles of Alaskan wilderness that I’ve spent the better part of ten years learning to read.
When Devin and I started Northern Trades, we made a pact: we would never sell anything we didn't believe in, and we would never source anything that didn't respect the animal. As the one responsible for the majority of our raw materials and trapped furs, that responsibility sits squarely on my shoulders.
Harvesting with Heart
To some, trapping is just a job. To me, it’s a relationship. You can’t spend twenty years on the land without developing a deep, abiding love for the creatures that live here. That love is exactly why I’m so meticulous about my trapping methods.
The Right Tools: I use the most modern, certified humane traps available. My goal is a quick, clean harvest. It’s about minimizing stress and honoring the life of the animal.
Being a Steward: I don’t just take; I manage. Sustainable harvesting means knowing the populations. If a certain area needs a break, it gets one. We want these species to thrive for another thousand years, not just for this season.
Nothing Wasted: Every animal I harvest is treated with the highest level of care. From the way the hide is handled to the way the meat is used, respect means ensuring nothing is squandered.
More Than Business: A Partnership of Purpose
Working alongside Devin is the greatest part of this journey. We’re life partners as well as business partners, but more than that, we are a team that believes in the same goal: bringing the best of the North to your hands.
I take pride in knowing that the hide I harvested on a crisp winter morning is going to end up in Devin’s shop, where it might become a piece of authentic beadwork or a warm pair of mittens. There’s a direct line from my hands to yours, and I want you to feel the care that went into it.
The Quality You Can Feel
You can tell the difference between a mass-produced pelt and one that was harvested by someone who cares. When you work with our commercial tan hides or furs, you’re feeling the result of hours of work in the cold, a deep knowledge of the bush, and a commitment to quality that starts long before the tanning process begins.
I’m proud to provide the foundation for your art. When you buy from Northern Trades, you’re supporting a small, husband-owned business that puts the land and the animal first.
I’ll see you out there.
— Forrest