If you’re heading to a pow wow, going to meet an elder or taking part in a ceremony, one of your first stops would likely be Fabric Frenzy on 20th St. Owner Paulette Babcock knows what type of cloths to take to ceremonies, which ribbons and feathers to use in regalia, even what colours are preferable.
“I don’t even know all that information,” said customer Lynn Thompson. “I can go to Paulette and say, hey I’m going to this ceremony and she will whip up the colours for me and the ribbons. Having that knowledge is extremely valuable here for First Nations people.”
But it’s not just the knowledge that Thompson values. It’s Babcock’s support and compassion.
“I was actually in a little bit of trouble because there used to be the Barry Hotel across. (She) happened to come by and she kind of saved me,” said Thompson. “Kind of tucked me in the store and held me here until I was okay and that’s how I met Paulette.”
Over the years Babcock has become a kind of kokhum or grandmother to Thompson. And she discovered she also has aboriginal roots. Babcock’s grandmother was Sioux but kept it secret from the family.
After 16 years in business Babcock is closing the store at the end of the month. She said she will miss the people but is looking forward to sitting on her deck and spending more time with her dogs.
