Reconciliation Stories: A Celebration Of Coast Salish Wool Weaving
Indigenous History Month event brings together Coast Salish wool weavers through a demonstration of materials, techniques and designs.
Indigenous History Month event brings together Coast Salish wool weavers through a demonstration of materials, techniques and designs.
On 23 June 2023, as part of MONOVA’s Indigenous History Month programming, the Museum of North Vancouver hosted A Celebration of Coast Salish Wool Weaving.
Eight local Coast Salish Wool Weavers joined us to share the extraordinary journey and revitalization of Coast Salish wool weaving. Visitors were able to meet Coast Salish weavers to learn about the practice through a demonstration of materials, techniques and designs.
Hosted by MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers Tsawaysia Spukwus and Jordan Dawson, events like this help to foster an understanding and appreciation for Coast Salish wool weaving among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.
Wool weaving has deep cultural significance for Indigenous people in the Coast Salish territories. The intricate patterns and vibrant colours found in Coast Salish weavings tell stories of tradition, identity, and community.
“It is an honour to be an Indigenous Cultural Programmer at MONOVA,” noted Indigenous Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus. “The beauty of sharing our language and culture to the community is heartwarming, yet powerful. It gives me a chance to share the teachings of our ancestors including the teachings of mountain goat, fireweed, Salish Woolly dog and cat tails to name a few. It feels great to pass the torch to the younger generations.”
“A number of the weavers who attended the event mentioned how this was the one of first opportunities they’ve had to connect together as Coast Salish wool weavers,” added Indigenous Cultural Programmer Jordan Dawson. “Events like this that are designed to bring community together and celebrate their traditions make people really happy.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Canadian Museums Association’s Moved to Action report and the BC Government’s Declaration Act Action Plan provide frameworks for making meaningful change, honouring Indigenous experiences and culture, and building respectful relationships.
MONOVA’s Indigenous programming aims to create a space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals can come together, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships on the path toward Truth and Reconciliation. By providing opportunities for people to engage with Coast Salish weaving, MONOVA is facilitating cultural exchange and promoting a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions and history.
Thank you to the Coast Salish wool weavers who made time to join us and to everyone who attended! It was so great to see everyone there.
Coast Salish programming is generously supported by BMO Financial Group.
Indigenous History Month events were supported by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, proudly representing the Port of Vancouver.
Reconciliation Stories is supported by Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association.
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
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We respectfully acknowledge that MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver is located on the traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, whose ancestors have lived here for countless generations. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work and learn with them on unceded Coast Salish Territory.