Our Grade 3 students and students in our BC First Nations 12 course welcomed YHS Indigenous Artist in Residence, Cheximya Allison Burns, where they were introduced to the importance of weaving as an important cultural tradition to the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish). Cheximiya uses traditional techniques with a modern flair in her weaving. Our students were thrilled to create a wool-woven wristband using traditional techniques.
Born in North Vancouver, Cheximiya is from the Squamish Nation and has been an Aboriginal Ambassador for her Nation and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre since graduating from Carson Graham Secondary School in 2006. Cheximiya began wool weaving in the summer of 2008 and has since continued to express herself through her pieces and to pass on the Squamish Nation tradition of wool weaving.
It was an absolute pleasure to also host a Coast Salish weaving workshop with Chief Janice George and her husband, Buddy. They are accomplished weavers, teachers and leaders from the Squamish Nation. The ancient tradition of Salish weaving, as an art and for ceremonial use is returning to many Coast Salish communities thanks to Chief Janice and Buddy. They co-founded L’hen Awtxw Weaving House to share the teachings, practice and significance of Coast Salish weaving. Our Grade 1s were honoured to have the opportunity to share in their weaving traditions and everyone was able to create a beautiful bracelet. This was an inspiring morning of weaving and community building.