NexwNiwChet (The Teachings)

Context

Coast Salish weaving is one of the great Aboriginal arts of North America. For centuries the Salish people of the Pacific Northwest have spun mountain goat hair and other fibers to produce exquisite blankets, robes, and tunics with colourful designs and emotional symbolism.

Woven blankets serve a number of very important functions in Coast Salish society, and according to oral traditions, have been used for ceremonial purposes since the beginning of time. When worn, they represent an individual’s wealth and identify the wearer as being a civic or religious leader. Blankets are given away to members of the community or to people in other villages to show prosperity. They are also used as gifts for guests who attend memorials, initiations, naming ceremonies, or to pay ritual specialists for their services. And as seen here, they are also beautiful works of art that can be enjoyed on their own aesthetic merits.

Salish weaving declined in the early 20^th century due to colonial policies that banned First Nations religious and cultural practices. In addition, colonizers brought with them mass-produced blankets, the most famous of which were the red, yellow, and green striped Hudson’s Bay Company blankets.

The ancient practice of weaving had nearly disappeared among the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) until hereditary Chief Janice George and her husband Buddy Joseph sparked a revival over a decade ago. Thanks to their efforts, over a hundred weavers are working in their community and beyond. The sixteen blankets seen here were commissioned by SFU and created by Janice and Buddy’s students. The designs are based on oral and written histories of Lhuḵw’lhuḵw’áyten (Burnaby Mountain).

Blanket Titles

OVER THE DOOR OF MUSEUM

BACK WALL - LEFT TO RIGHT

Chief Janice George and L’Hen Awtwx (Squamish Weaving House)