Tamarack geese

Tamarack geese were traditionally created by the Cree as decoys to be used during their spring and fall hunts. They are made by gathering small twigs of the Tamarack (Larix laricina) tree and tying them together to form a stylized goose.

The art of making these birds was beginning to fade, but in 1968 John Blueboy of Moose Factory, Ontario had the idea of reviving the practice by creating smaller versions to be sold as souvenirs. Since then, many artists and artisans have picked up the art.