Use of Cradleboards revived

Page 20

The cradleboard for babies has become virtually obsolete.

But an Edmonton Native couple has started their own small business, manufacturing the boards, which serve as a crib, playpen, carriage and car seat for infants.

Lise and Adelard Jacko, formerly of the Chipewyan Cold Lake band, said the high cost of baby furniture gave them the idea to build a cradle board for their expected child.

From the time their son, Jordon Dominic, now five months old, was born, the cradleboard has served all his needs. Not only is the cradle board safe, healthy and economical, but it is

a multi-purpose piece of baby furniture.

"Going into a mall is like being an attraction in a museum. People stop and admire the cradleboard and ask questions," Lise Jacko said.

The interest generated by the cradle board, prompted the Jackos to launch their own small business making them.

The Jackos are presently using a light-duty sewing machine to get stated, but they will soon need an industrial sewing machine to get their business off the ground.

They have submitted a proposal for provincial funds which would allow them to purchase the much-needed machine.

Lise plans to submit a recommendation to the provincial Social Services to make the cradleboard available in the layette that is given to young Native mothers on welfare.

The cradleboard is made in two pieces. The support is made out of board with a hoop attached to the top of the board and the moss bag is attached to the support.

The moss bag is made of different material from cotton to leather, depending on one's choice. The infant is snugly cradled into the moss bag and laced to the board.

Up until the early 1900's, Native Women used moss, which had been picked, cleaned and dried, as diapers. The moss was absorbent and acted as an insulator.

For a baby to have a diaper rash was unheard of in those days.

Although the moss bag retains it original name, few women today use moss.

The cradleboard was originally designed and constructed by our forefathers for the purpose of keeping the infant safe while allowing the mother to move and work with ease.

The cradleboard served as the infant's bed and could be used horizontally or vertically.

Being portable, it could be used as a carrier on the mother's back or could be hung from a branch of a tree.

However, the Jackos prefer not to see the cradleboard used as a back carrier.

"Travelling by car or bus, I am unable to monitor our child if he is on my back. With people always stopping us and touching the baby and cradleboard, we want to make sure

everything is okay," he husband Adelard said.

Most cradleboards are constructed the same way. A wooden hoop attached to the top of the board protects the child from falling on its face and smothering if the cradle topples.

While in the cradleboard, the baby could be left to play with a variety of toys hanging from the hoop, while mother attends to her chores.

Operating their new business out of their home, the young couple now have more time to spend with their baby.

The Jackos both attended Blue Quills Community College, where Lise received her degree in social work and Adelard received his certificate in child care work and corrections.

Working in her field since graduating, Lise would like to stay at home with her child and take in Native foster children.

Lise said the business would help children keep their Native identity.

The Jackos are taking a parent counseling course through Social Services, which would qualified them to offer counselling services to families. The cradleboards sell for $75. Those

interested in buying one can contact the Jackos at 479-7548.