Shy Watters, a member of shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation who also has Squamish, Tla’amin (Coast Salish) and Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry, has been passionately weaving red and yellow cedar for well over 18 years. Here on the Sunshine Coast, Watters is well known for her work where she generously offers weaving courses throughout the year.
On May 9, Watters led nine participants in a cedar hat weaving workshop at kálax-ay – the Sunshine Coast Campus of Capilano University. The participants included past and current students of the campus. Six of the students were from the Welcoming Communities program, a partnership of Capilano University and Sunshine Coast Community Services. These students are newcomers to Canada from Chile, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Peru and Syria. Three shíshálh Nation members also attended so the day provided a special opportunity for learning more about shíshálh culture and history through the creation of the beautiful hats. This project is part of the Aboriginal Service Plan-funded systemic change initiatives taking place at Capilano University to ensure that its campuses are relevant, responsive respectful and receptive to Aboriginal learners and communities.
– Submitted by Capilano University
