Coast Salish Wool Weaving: Perspective and Practice

This program offers an exploration of the customary art of Coast Salish Wool Weaving, focusing on historical context, cultural significance, and time-honored weaving techniques. Drawing from oral histories, practiced artisans, and written materials students will explore the cultural heritage of Salish weaving practices. Students will examine the intricate designs, materials, and symbolism embedded within these textiles. Coupled with the hands-on opportunity to weave upon a Coast Salish loom. Alongside the weaving, students will have the opportunity to create the tools to weave with. The program will collaborate with woodshop to offer this tool creation.  

Through a combination of seminar discussions, guest speakers, and studio practice, students will develop a holistic understanding of Coast Salish wool weaving traditions and practices. The seminar component will involve close readings and critical analyses of key chapters from "Salish Blankets," supplemented by additional scholarly resources exploring related topics such as indigenous art, cultural revitalization, and decolonization efforts.

In Paimarire, the fiber arts studio, students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in seminar to hands-on weaving experiences. Students will learn the fundamentals of weaving on a Coast Salish loom, mastering techniques such as warp and weft, pattern creation, and finishing methods. Through experimentation and practice, students will cultivate their skills in textile creation while honoring the cultural heritage and artistic integrity of Salish weaving traditions.

In woodshop, students will learn and pass proficiency tests to operate machinery and hand tools to create their own set of weaving tools.  

Throughout the 12 credit program, emphasis will be placed upon open thinking with open being, cultural sensitivity, and creative expression. 3 credits will be dedicated to the seminar experience and 6 credits to hands-on studio work in both studios. The final 3 credits are an independent project. By engaging with both scholarly discourse and practical skills, students will gain a deep appreciation for the complexities of Salish weaving and tool creation and its significance within indigenous communities. This approach aims to cultivate a holistic understanding of indigenous artistry, history, and cultural resilience.

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies

3 - Seminar with weaving theory

6 - Studio practice

3 - Independent artist project