The “Weaving Tears into Dreams of Reconciliation” Project honoured the shíshálh art form of weaving as four master weavers were commissioned to lead the public in the design and creation of reconciliation blankets and sashes. The goals of the project were:
- To celebrate the vitality of shíshálh culture through the art form of wool weaving,
- To provide an opportunity for members of the public to participate in the weaving of four friendship blankets as they learn from shíshálh Master Weavers,
- To raise awareness and cultivate dialogue about the importance of reconciliation in the shíshálh Homelands/Sunshine Coast (BC)
The first blanket, “Paddling Together,” commenced in August 2018 under the direction of shíshálh weaver, Shy Watters and was completed in October 2018. The second blanket “Unbroken Friendship” was launched in October 2018 with weaver Jessica Silvey during the Sechelt Arts Festival and was completed in December 2018. The third blanket was launched at the tems swiya Museum with Raquel Joe in February 2019 and the fourth weaving will begin with Andy Johnson in April 2019. Please see the following pages for more information about our weavers.
The weavings were completed between August 2018 and June 2019, unveiling the designs and gifting them to local governments in a ceremony on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, June 21, 2019. The blankets are prominently displayed in each institution, in commitment to the journey we are weaving together, towards reconciliation.
syiyaya reconciliation 