Xaygwaay, (Weaving our World,) There are important ways of life information involved in weaving that are being lost. Acknowledging the work our ancestors left us, to practice weaving and harvesting our resources with respect and mindfulness of ourselves so that, the legacy can continue.
The following describes how our communities take care of each other during our happy and sad times. Tlingit, Haida and Tsimpsians believe it is important to hold up our fathers people to keep balance. The celebrations of life and death have sustained our cultures since time immemorial. This adds the spirit to our art forms.
Our people believe there is a spirit in all things. The practice of form line, the spirit dimension of trees, fish, birds, human beings, mountains, and glaciers are precious Atoow (icons of our spirit world) of the people of this land. That our weaving, carving, drawing, sewing, beading, etc., tell stories of our families.
Haawaa! Gunalcheesh! Thank you to my family, and Alaska Native Fund for helping me complete my book financially and with encouragement.
