Sashes

Designed under the direction of kwayimin Andy Johnson

These traditional Coast Salish speaker's sashes were created to honour Residential School Survivors and support their voices on the journey of healing and reconciliation.

Woven in the traditional Coast Salish colours of black, red, and white, each colour carries deep meaning. Black represents the dark experiences endured by Survivors, red symbolizes First Nations people, medicine, and healing, and white represents purity, strength, and hope for the future.

Traditionally worn by speakers, these sashes honour the courage of Survivors in sharing their stories. They recognize the importance of truth-telling as a pathway to healing and celebrate the resilience of those who continue to guide future generations.

As Andy explains, the weaving reflects a journey from darkness toward healing—a powerful reminder that reconciliation begins by listening, honouring the voices of Survivors, and walking together toward a brighter future.