Stewards of the Land
The Stewards of the Land series began in 2023, when Fred Campbell, founder of Hooké, embarked on a project meant to reconnect him with the land. More than that, he sought to meet Indigenous peoples in order to learn from their traditional knowledge and their deep relationship with nature.
In the first episodes of the series, Fred Campbell ventures into the wild and sacred territories of Canada, from the vast Thaidene Nëné in the Northwest Territories, to the Bow River at the foot of the Rockies, and the legendary salmon waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. Along the way, he meets Indigenous knowledge keepers, discovers rich cultures, and fishes for wild species in remote and magnificent landscapes.
From the Land to the Craft
In this fourth and final episode of Stewards of the Land, titled From the Land to the Craft, we follow Fred Campbell as he embarks on a lifelong dream to hunt moose in Newfoundland alongside an Indigenous guide, following the traditional ways of the land.
Fred travels to Conne River Outfitters to meet Harvey Drew, a guide from the Miawpukek First Nation, a Mi’kmaq community on the south coast of Newfoundland. Deeply connected to his ancestral territory, Harvey shares with Fred his profound respect for the Creator, the animals, and the importance of using every part of the moose.
This journey goes far beyond the hunt itself. It’s a story about shared traditions, respect, and craftsmanship. After the successful hunt, Fred and Harvey carefully skin the moose, honouring each step of the process.
It is at this stage that the collaboration with Jason Picard-Binet of Bastien – Artisan Autochtone takes shape, as the moose hide is brought back to Quebec to be transformed into moccasins by the Wendat company.
A Collaboration Woven from Respect and Passion
The story of this collaboration didn’t come together overnight. Jason Picard-Binet, president of Bastien, and Fred Campbell, co-founder of Hooké, have known each other for many years. Even before Bastien was reborn under Jason’s vision, the two men shared the same playground, the Indigenous territories of Canada, where hunting, fishing, and respect for all living things are practiced as a true way of life.
When Jason was working in Indigenous tourism, he was already collaborating with the Hooké team to showcase hunting and fishing grounds belonging to Indigenous communities: from the North Shore to the West Coast. These experiences forged a sincere bond, rooted in love for the land, the preservation of traditional knowledge, and the desire to tell authentic stories.
A Moccasin Born from Circularity
From the hunt to the crafting process, every step embodies a respectful approach to life and the land. By bringing the moose hide back to Quebec to be transformed by skilled hands, Fred extends the animal’s story into a meaningful, functional object. This direct connection between the land, ancestral skills, and craftsmanship gives the material a second life, embracing a circular philosophy that honors both Indigenous traditions and modern values of sustainability.
The leather, soft and breathable, molds to the foot over time, offering a living, almost organic comfort. The crepe sole, molded from 100% natural rubber, provides flexible and authentic traction, perfect to truly stay grounded. Each pair is a testament to craftsmanship grounded in sustainability, pride, and gratitude for what nature offers.
A Journey that Unites Land, Knowledge, and Transmission
Through Stewards of the Land, Fred Campbell invites us to rethink our connection to the land: to slow down, to listen, and to learn from those who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. This series is much more than a travel log: it is a tribute to Indigenous peoples, their ancestral knowledge, and their profound respect for all living things. By weaving bridges between land, craft, and tradition, it reminds us that creation can be done differently, with heart and humility.
