The following articles offer an introduction to the Prairie Fibreshed. The first is intended for the general public, the second for producers. Please feel free to share them with individuals, local publications, and other organizations.
Introducing the Prairie Fibreshed Network
Saskatchewanians with a shared interest in the production, processing, or use of natural fibres have
created their own organization. The Prairie Fibreshed Network Inc (PFNI) became an official not-for-
profit corporation in Nov 2022. Since that time, its members have been focussing on promotion and
education around Saskatchewan. Its overall goal is to foster development of regional fibre systems that
build ecosystem and community health.
The idea of the group started with a few people that were aware of similar organizations established
elsewhere in North America. The umbrella organization called Fibreshed is based in California, but there
are affiliates scattered across much of Canada. Each affiliate has its own flavour based on the
community that it represents. This was explained at the recent annual meeting for the PFNI by guest
speaker Anna Hunter. A Manitoba author with a wool processing facility, Hunter shared her knowledge
about other Canadian organizations. “The Vancouver Island Fibreshed consists mainly of artists and
artisans that work with natural fibres, whereas Fibreshed Quebec has many links to the textile industry,”
said Hunter.
According to PFNI President Brooke Aitken from Eyebrow, Saskatchewan a high percentage of their
membership currently consists of fibre producers. “However, we are actively seeking additional
members. Anyone that has an interest in uniting and supporting fibre producers, processors and users is
welcome to join us,” said Aitken.
The focus of Saskatchewan activities so far has been on education and networking. Last year, a two-day
wool grading and classification workshop was held in Saskatoon. The emphasis was on managing wool
for increased quality and value. A second workshop in Caron, Saskatchewan focussed on alpacas. Some
tips were given on the raising of alpacas but the primary focus was on the aspects of alpaca fibre
production. With the PFNI members spread out across the province, virtual monthly networking
sessions have been held to generate ideas and share information.
Plans are already underway for events in 2024. An education event on the potential of flax fibre is
coming up this spring. The presenter will be Alvin Ulrich, President of Biolin Research Incorporated out
of Saskatoon. He has travelled around the world learning about methods to produce and use different
types of natural fibres. “We are going to look at the success factors in producing flax in small plots, then
taking the fibre right through to being ready for spinning,” said Ulrich. Also in the planning stages for
2024 is the Fibre Trail, a self-guided tour featuring artists, artisans and producers around Saskatchewan
promoting their products utilizing natural fibres.
The PFNI social media presence and their website at https://prairiefibreshed.ca/ is kept current by
volunteers. “We have an enthusiastic group of people working together, and we are always on the
lookout for new ways to make an impact,” said Aitken.
For more information, please contact:
Prairie Fibreshed Network Inc at prairiefibreshed@gmail.com or online at https://prairiefibreshed.ca/
Sonja Welford (306) 222-2932, at r.swelford@sasktel.net; or
Biolin Research Incorporated: Alvin Ulrich (306)280-1701, at aulrich@biolin.sk.ca, or online at http://biolin.sk.ca
Saskatchewan Natural Fibre has Untapped Potential
Natural fibres such as those from wool, alpaca, flax, hemp and furs have long been utilized to produce
fabrics for clothing, blankets, art and shelter. There is a growing interest in the local processing of these
fibres with society’s trend towards products that are reusable, recyclable, and compostable. That is one
of the reasons why Prairie Fibreshed Network Inc was recently created. The not-for-profit membership-
based organization was formed by a group of individuals interested in uniting and supporting fibre
producers, processors and users.
Brooke Aitken from Eyebrow, Saskatchewan produces sheep and is the current president of the Prairie
Fibreshed. “Many sheep producers see their wool as a hassle to deal with, and treat their wool as a low-
value waste product,” said Aitken. She believes that with more education and developing markets,
there is a potential to extract more value out of a sheep herd than just from the meat. This was echoed
at the recent annual meeting for the Fibreshed by guest speaker Anna Hunter. A Manitoba author with
a wool processing facility, Hunter shared her success in establishing a waste wool pelleting business.
She purchases waste wool from local producers and makes a natural soil amendment pellet suitable for
commercial and backyard gardeners. “Small-scale local pelletizing mills make more sense than large
scale facilities that require much more energy for transport of raw materials and finished products,” she
said.
Flax fibre is another under-utilized natural fibre. Many fields of flax straw are still burned on the prairies
as a waste product. Alvin Ulrich, President of Biolin Research Incorporated out of Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan has travelled around the world learning about methods to produce and use different
types of natural fibres. “Many other countries have had well established industries related to fibre
processing,” he said. He believes that large-scale flax processing has increased potential as markets are
developed but that small-scale processing can also be developed. With this in mind, Ulrich is offering a
workshop to guide attendees through the process of planting a small plot of flax, then taking it right
through to having the flax fibre ready for spinning. This workshop will be offered through the Prairie
Fibreshed Network in early 2024.
With the world’s population hitting 8 billion people, the need to fully utilize resources has never been
greater. The Prairie Fibreshed Network believes that there are many opportunities out there for
entrepreneurs and is working hard to provide information and networking opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Prairie Fibreshed Network Inc at prairiefibreshed@gmail.com or online at https://prairiefibreshed.ca/
Sonja Welford (306) 222-2932, at r.swelford@sasktel.net
Biolin Research Incorporated: Alvin Ulrich (306)280-1701, at aulrich@biolin.sk.ca , or online at http://biolin.sk.ca
Prairie Fibreshed 