Promoting Indigenous tradition and community connection through weaving

Pine needle baskets, among the oldest forms of basket weaving, hold deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities.

Traditionally crafted by Indigenous people in regions with pine trees, these coiled baskets are known for their strength and versatility. The art of pine needle weaving is fading, with fewer individuals possessing this traditional skill.

To revive and preserve this craft, the Moon River Métis Council in Ontario is organizing two basket weaving classes, led by Métis citizen and experienced teacher Tina Jameson. 

Funded by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the initiative covers the teacher’s honorarium, materials, and facility rentals. By supporting these classes, the IRF contributes to the revitalization of a traditional Indigenous craft, creating opportunities for cultural preservation and community bonding.

The Métis people are a distinct Indigenous community in Canada, with a rich heritage shaped by the blending of Indigenous and European cultures. As stewards of the vast Métis Homelands, spanning from Ontario to British Columbia and to the Northwest Territories, they embody a history marked by independence, self-sufficiency and a deep connection to the land. The Métis Nation, born of a commitment to democratic values, freedom, fairness, equality, generosity, and justice, takes pride in its cultural traditions, guided by ancestral wisdom.

Diocese of Peterborough