When doing Indigenous inspired basket weaving, invite an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and/or community member into the learning space to deliver cultural teachings.
Instructions:
- Haudenosaunee Knowledge Keeper, Callie Hill, from Akwesasne First Nation shared with QUILLS, the traditional and contemporary importance of black ash basket weaving to Haudenosaunee people. Many community members including Hill continue to make a living and seek a sense of connection to their culture through black ash basket weaving. For more background information on the significance of black ash basket weaving to the Haudenosaunee, it is recommended that students read the chapter: Wisgaak Gok penagen: A Black Ash Basket in Potowatomi scholar Robin Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass.
Kimmerer, R. W. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Milkweed Editions.
- Teacher then introduces basket weaving and its significance to the Haudenosaunee people through a video segment, available on the QUILLS website featuring Haudenosaunee Knowledge Keeper Carrie Hill.
- Teacher can also ask students to read the following interview(s) with Carrie Hill: https://www.sugarpeel.com/2020/10/13/the-ancient-art-of-basket-weaving/
Mohawk & Akwesasne Basketmaking
- Teacher discusses with students that while more prevalent in Haudenosaunee communities, Anishinaabe folks also engage in basket weaving.
- If at Elbow Lake, students can examine sample baskets and the artistry and skill that goes into making them.
Activity:
- Basket making is a universal activity.
- Teacher shows students video clip embedded on the QUILLS website of Haudenosaunee Black Ash basket weaver Carrie Hill demonstrating how to make a black ash basket.
- Students can design and make Indigenous inspired baskets that represent and draw upon elements of student’s own cultures.
- There are many patterning activities in Math that can be linked to the designs used in basket weaving. Using patterning principles students can develop their own basket patterns. There are also digital programs students can use to create baskets using coding.
