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ESCANABA -- Authentic animal furs are used in Native American regalia, but furs are getting harder to get a hold of, and some stores have started selling fabric furs.

But the Hannahville Indian Community's cultural director says there is simply no substitution for the tradition of using real fur.

Earl Meshigaud, the cultural director of the Hannahville Indian Community, explains the significance of using real animal fur in regalia. 

“There's a spirit that's connected to a lot of that,” said Meshigaud.

Noc Bay Trading Company in Escanaba used to sell real otter, beaver, and mink pelts.  But co-owner, Loren Woerpel, says real furs are becoming harder to get a hold of.  There's an increased demand for fur that's used in the fashion world.

Selling 'fabric fur' at the store is a new idea and will be included in their next catalogue.

Importers quit buying real rabbit fur, but the store will continue to try to get a hold of it. Right now they sell fabric fur for about $1.95 a yard, and it's a much cheaper alternative. The real pelts are priced at $4.25.

There's a tradition in using real fur.

“For me, and I know a lot of other people that follow this way, this is just not going to cut it,” Meshigaud said, "because I think there's so much lost. But for the so-called hobbyist people, that's probably a good thing for them."

For Noc Bay Trading Company, fabric furs are simply easier to obtain.

“This has been done for hundreds of years,” Woerpel said. “A new item has been introduced, and then a crafter will take it and learn how to use it and do something that he can't just get because it's not available or he just can't afford it."

Meshigaud said it's critical to continue to use real furs in regalia because it keeps cultural heritage alive.