A public talk by Connie Graves
Cathlapotle Plankhouse in Ridgefield, Washington
September 25, 2010
Connie Graves is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation and a basket weaver with 25 years of experience. She works with Grand Ronde educational programs and with school children and teachers around the region. This demonstration talk was presented as part of a teacher workshop, “Northwest Native Revolutions – The View from Cathlapotle” on September 25, 2010 at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse in Ridgefield, Washington.
- Part I: Traditional technologies and ways of knowing | Time: 8:46
- Connie Graves describes her personal and cultural background as both a basket weaver and as member of the Grand Ronde. She discusses the importance of knowing the land intimately for collecting cedar bark and other roots and barks.
- Part II: Working with Wood | Time: 8:50
- Connie Graves describes collection and processing of willow bark, cherry, and other barks, as well as the use of various mats and ways to engage children with weaving.
- Part III: From the Ground Up – Basket Weavers and Basket Makers | Time: 9:17
- Connie Graves demonstrates how to process barks and where to obtain materials and tools. She distinguishes between basket weavers and basket makers, and explores ways of teaching basketry to children.