kwayimin Andy Johnson – Weaver, Cultural Ambassador for shishalh Nation
Andy was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast. He was with his grandmother Cecil August a lot growing up, and this is where he learned a lot of the shashishalhem history and culture.
He is a shashishalhem language teacher at Kinnickinnick Elementary School and a Cultural Ambassador for shishalh Nation.
His weaving began in 2005, taught by Janice George and Buddy Joseph of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). He has woven and taught numerous classes since then, teaching the basic twine and twill. His workshops have included making anything from quarter bags, ceremonial sashes, shawls, tunics, wall hangings and memorial blankets.
Andy is also the lead singer of our tl’ikw’am Dance Group, and has written four songs for the group to perform.
