Aboriginal peoples across North America have defined themselves through a long legacy of societal and unique cultural development. The contributions provided to the world by Aboriginal peoples is extensive. Aboriginal gold, silver and precious metals fueled an economic renaissance in Europe; food products sautéed the world – think about it – potatoes, corn, chocolate, legumes, tomatoes, peanuts, beans, jerky… Then there’s the great contributions to democracy provided by Aboriginal government systems: “caucus” an Aboriginal word; “recall” a form of redress or ousting for inept political leaders; full franchise; freedom of speech… all to some extent practiced by certain Aboriginal groups. But the practice that always seems standard across Aboriginal nations is the continual effort to protect Mother Earth and to find ways to connect to her in a harmonious way.
When visiting the Squamish Nation in August, I discovered an incredible weaving of cultural unity.
Joy Joseph-McCullough or Siyaltenaat (her ancestral name) warmly welcomed me to attend a basket weaving workshop held at Totem Hall in the heart of Squamish. Joy is an accomplished artist and educator. She has always had a keen interest in her cultural practices. She learned to carve by watching her father and siblings. Joy also learned to weave wool, cedar baskets, cedar hats, head bands, cedar roses and other products made from local natural resources. Many of the Aboriginal practices such as weaving were almost wiped out due to colonial practices but there is a resurgence of Aboriginal cultural connection that is igniting the spirit of our Aboriginal identities. I witnessed this first-hand in the Squamish Weaving Workshop.
“A friend wanted to share – that’s how it started. Anytime anyone wants to share we don’t say no… it’s about bringing cultures together, sharing and learning from each other,” states Siyaltenaat with compassion. The friend turned out to be Marina Xoc Castillo de Vasquez a Mayan Indian teacher and cultural practitioner.
“I learned to weave when I was 5 years old. I used to sell the baskets for $5.00 on Pan American Highway in Guatemala. I have been teaching for 25 years in the USA. I introduced basket weaving in workshops for students. The ones that succeed are the emotional students. I don’t just weave for money… it’s about helping others to build self-esteem and sharing a cultural practice that can help others to see that they can succeed,” says Marina.
Marina also stated, “We use only dead pine needles. I can turn pine needles into beautiful things… you can also use local resources… teaching weaving is fun. Weaving is a gift you can have fun with, make money at and keep in touch with nature. You can teach your children part of your culture… this is for everyone, not just native people… I enjoy sharing it with everyone, especially those living with the higher spirit.”
Leah Ratana-Clubb, a Maori Elder from New Zealand, also participated in the Squamish Weaving Workshop. She notes the special understanding amongst Aboriginal groups the world over and respect paid by others when visiting another’s traditional territory, “I was visiting family in British Columbia so I decided to phone the indigenous people in Squamish as this is one of our cultural ways to pay respect and they invited us and here we are enjoying this special day.”
All across Canada, Aboriginal groups are implementing their inherent rights through the sharing and reactivation of their cultural practices. One person at time is learning that the Aboriginal peoples of Canada are unique and diverse but still engaging of the desire for peace, friendship and sharing. Siyaltenaat compassionately informed that cultural practices are about a connection experience, “…it’s a spiritual thing. When I weave it seems like it’s a time that I am with my ancestors… if we get youth or Elders to weave, my hope is that they will be touched by the light. I enjoy sharing and we as Aboriginal peoples across the world have a lot in common including weaving.”
My visit to Squamish and observation of the weaving workshop inspired me and made me more aware of the powerful gifts our ancestors left us and the importance of getting in touch with them.