National Truth & Reconciliation: Cedar Weaving Workshop

Join us for a very special opportunity to learn the traditional Indigenous art of cedar-hat weaving from Jessica Sault, Nuu-chah-nulth from the Tseshaht First Nation, and Cheyanne Tinoco from the Cowichan Nation.

This workshop offers a unique chance to listen to the teachings of Jessica and Cheyanne, whose knowledge is deeply rooted in the cultural practice of cedar weaving.

In honour of upcoming National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we will also reflect on the works of Ursula Johnson, a Mi’kmaq artist featured in the Generations exhibition. Ursula's practice emphasizes the power of intergenerational learning and cultural continuum, enriching our understanding of Indigenous ways of being, seeing, and walking.

* This is a full-day event from 9-5pm. We encourage participants to bring a lunch, and light refreshments will be served, also.

6 tickets will be available by bursary to those who self-identify as Indigenous, on a first come, first served basis. To request a bursary, please email Natalie Rollins at [email protected] with your information.

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About Jessica Sault:

Jessica is from the Tseshaht First Nation, Nuu chah nulth. Jessica comes from a large family who were champions for cultural revival and who unfailingly adhered to the tradition and culture, despite the formidable Potlatch Ban. She grew up with elders constantly in her home teaching song, dance, protocols and traditional teachings. Her mom and grandmother were a huge influence in her life. Mother, Kathy Robinson and grandmother, Jessie Gallic, at a family Naming Potlatch Her mother was 5 years old when she was taken to residential school. She was able to keep her language and culture alive and developed the language, song and dance department at Haahuupayk school. She weaved, harvested and created many dance groups. Her grandmother was a medicine woman who weaved and was lead singer and dancer for the Chiefs wife.

About Cheyanne Tinoco:

Cheyenne, whose traditional name is Op Hay, comes from the Cowichan Nation on Vancouver Island. She started beading and weaving at a young age giving her place in this world. Within the forests and trees, Cheyanne felt love and deep connection. Eventually, she began harvesting cedar bark and learned to weave from everyone that she could. Cheyanne started apprenticing under Wanda Robinson, a Tseshaht Master Cedar Bark Weaver. She learned to thin and split cedar, deciphering the difference between smooth hats and bumpy hats. Cheyanne also learned how to make tight cedar ropes and dye cedar from Jan Green, another Master Cedar Bark Weaver. Then came Geraldine Edgar from Ditidaht; she showed Cheyanne how to plait a cedar bark skirt, and Jessica Sault taught her cedar bark capes and cedar bark neck rings. Through practice, Cheyanne learned to weave on her own.

Image Credit: 1. Cedar woven hat, 2. Jessica Sault, Courtesy of Natalie Rollins.

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The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible destination for all to enjoy.

The main entrance is wheelchair accessible with a ramp on the left side of the entrance with no handrail. There is one set of power doors located at the left side of the entrance at the top of the ramp.

Host or Publisher Art Gallery of Greater Victoria