09/30/2026
“Every block, every border is the end of one story.”
Siyameqwot (Vivian Williams) shares the words of her late grandmother, Málí (Mary Peters), a Stó:lō weaver from Skowakul (Seabird Island), who sees weaving as a form of storytelling, an expression of familial love, memory and community connection.
Historically, Salish weavers made careful use of the materials available to them, sometimes reusing wool and pieces from existing blankets and bringing them together through weaving. These practices reflect knowledge, resourcefulness and relationships carried across generations. Like the stories held within weaving, histories are carried through people, families and communities; shared, remembered and continually given new meaning.
Salish weaving is not something that exists only within historic collections. It is a living cultural practice carried forward through ceremony, contemporary Indigenous art and design, community gatherings, public spaces and the teaching of younger generations. Traditional techniques continue to be learned, shared and adapted, connecting people to family, identity, land and community today.
This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we encourage our community to spend time listening to and learning from Indigenous artists, creators, storytellers and knowledge keepers. Not only to deepen our understanding of the history of this place, but to recognize the living cultures, knowledge and relationships that continue to shape this place.
Reconciliation asks us to listen, learn and build relationships with greater care and intention. Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices and storytelling continue to connect generations, sustain relationships to land and community, and shape this place today.
Listening, learning and building relationships are part of our ongoing work.
For continued learning:
• Connect with the Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre, which preserves and shares Stó:lō language, traditions and heritage and continues to offer cultural programming, including weaving opportunities: https://coqualeetza.com/contact/
• Watch the video series on The Salish Weavers Guild featuring Siamakwat https://youtu.be/EaZ6aZSmnX0
Sources:
Siamakwat, Twined Wool Weaving: “Sky to Sea” / weaving discussion, YouTube.
Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre.
Chilliwack Museum and Archives, 2025.010.002, 2004.052.1287, 2004.052.1293, 2004.052.1292 + P399 S. Wells, A. Lorenzetto, 2004.052.1131,
1963.015.025 Photo credit, Booen, J.O.
Chilliwack Museum and Archives, 2004.052.1136
