Text from the CDROM back cover
"The ancient tradition of Salish Weaving, as an art form and for ceremonial use, is returning to many Coast Salish communities. This PowerPoint CDROM is an experimental outreach project developed by weavers from several Canadian Coast Salish First Nations and by the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Originally designed as a teaching tool for Coast Salish weaving teachers, it is now being offered to a wider audience wishing to understand and enjoy these complex and beautiful textiles."

The CDROM includes
- a brief history of weaving
- how to build a table loom
- warping and weaving techniques
- selected Coast Salish weavings
- historical film and images


Table Loom

To order a copy of the CDROM email Chief Janice George or contact Dr. Leslie Tepper at the Canadian Museum of Civilisation.

Coast Salish Blanket, 1911 (Permissions Pending) www.civilization.ca

Education

The Coast Salish Weavers Gathering at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in 2006 was a collaboration between Chief Janice George and Dr. Leslie Tepper.

Angela Marston, Frances Nahanee, Krista Point, Dr. Leslie Tepper, Chief Janice George, Whitney McAully, Willard (Buddy) Joseph. Photographed by Steve Darby in front of the Coast Salish House, Grand Hall, Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.

Teaching Weaving
In 2004, we began to teach weaving in our home community of Squamish Nation. We were first hired to teach employees of our education department, who created regalia for nursery school graduations and childrens dance groups. Next, we fundraised for and delivered a training program for 20 weavers.

In 2007, we received a grant from The Royal Bank Corporation to train 10 weavers to produce monumental weavings for the Squamish and Lil’wat Cultural Center. Before we used the looms, we asked our spiritual leader to bless them along with our new journey and the project launch event. We invited community elders and members to a traditional witnessing ceremony where people were requested to encourage and praise their efforts.

In 2008, Simon Fraser University commissioned Squamish Weavers for 16 robes, to hang in the First Nation Studies Atrium. The weavings were created in a L'henAwtxw apprentice program, as a community outreach program.

"I integrated the Squamish teachings from our Late Grandmother Kwitelut-t Lena Jacobs and other Squamish ancestors into the program.  I feel and see the pride that comes from reclaiming the inheritance from our beloved elders and ancestors when we weave and wear our beloved weavings.  We are taught spiritual protection is part of what we are wearing and feel the love that is put in each hand movement it takes to make a robe." Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George