- Sewing studios and places where sealskin can be purchased must support business in the settlements

In previous years have there have been more public sewing rooms in towns and villages, but the number has since decreased. Nevertheless less, one should resume and develop sewing rooms in certain places, as this can strengthen it local businesses. That's what a member of the municipal council in the Municipality thinks Qeqertalik, Inger Jeremiassen (D), who has proposed opening sewing rooms and procurement points for sealskins. Fishermen's and trappers' associations as well as village boards support the idea.

A wish from the village boards

In previous years have there have been more public sewing rooms in towns and villages, but the number has since decreased. Nevertheless less, one should resume and develop sewing rooms in certain places, as this can strengthen it local businesses. That's what a member of the municipal council in the Municipality thinks Qeqertalik, Inger Jeremiassen (D), who has proposed opening sewing rooms and procurement points for sealskins. Fishermen's and trappers' associations as well as village boards support the idea.

A wish from the village boards

Inger Jeremiassen suggested that there investigations into the possibilities of establishing sewing rooms and facilities for sealskin procurement in selected residences in the Municipality of Qeqertalik with a view to business development. The proposal received full support in the municipal council, when it was discussed at the end of November.

- In previous years there have been sewing rooms in most residences, and things have gone well with the sewing rooms. Therefore I suggested that we – instead of opening sewing rooms everywhere – after one thorough investigation begins the work of finding out where it is most appropriate, she said. The proposal was approved and forwarded to them relevant committees.

At the budget seminar in the Municipality Qeqertalik in the fall, several village board members suggested that there sewing rooms and purchase points for sealskins are established in the settlements.

- We must utilize that knowledge sealskin treatment, which we already have in the municipality. Seal skin treatment is one part of our cultural heritage and must not be forgotten, she says.

The proposal aims, among other things, to identify people with experience in leather processing who can constitute the foundation for running a sewing room.

Supports the business world

Several towns and settlements in the municipality Qeqertalik does not have places to purchase sealskins, and Inger Jeremiassen believes that the opening of sewing rooms can be the basis for also establishing procurement locations.

- Procurement of sealskins will contribute to the prisoners' income. At the same time, the money generated by sales will of processed skins in the sewing rooms, benefiting both the residents and the municipality tax revenue, she says.

Since there are no procurement facilities in the settlements around Kangaatsiaq, many sealskins are thrown away and are therefore not for the benefit of the prisoners' finances. If the proposal is implemented, it will, according to Jeremiassen especially be to the benefit of the prisoners in Ikerasaarsuk.

- The cod is disappearing in at the moment, and since there are many seals, sealskin trading will be able to provide income for the prisoners, she says.

In previous years there have been communal sewing rooms in Kangaatsiaq's settlements, says Agnethe Inûsugtoq (S), member of the settlement board in Ikerasaarsuk.

– The opening of a sewing room and sealskin processing in Ikerasaarsuk will contribute a lot to the village's business life and give us hope for the future.

- I make it myself sealskin treatment, but if we stop doing these treatments, stay there are not many who can do that. Therefore, it will not only be an economic one gain, but also a rescue of cultural heritage, says Agnethe Inûsugtoq.

She emphasizes that the opening of a a sewing room and a place to buy sealskins in the village will be a good investment for the future. Therefore, the village board fully supports the proposal.