By Wade Sheldon
Embracing the healing power of creativity, Tulalip tribal member Dinesha Kane transformed a gloomy, overcast Saturday into a vibrant day of crafting at the Hibulb Cultural Center. On February 24, Dinesha led a class, sharing the artistry of crafting dreamcatchers, a skill she developed on her healing journey.
According to the Indigenous Foundation, dreamcatchers trace their origins to the Ojibwes in North America. Typically handmade, these intricate creations involve sticks or hoops and woven nets made from sinew, leather, feathers, and beads. The 1960s and 70s saw dreamcatchers gaining popularity and spread within Native American communities, thanks to the Pan-Indian movement.
Intricately entwined with profound symbolism, dreamcatchers convey a story through their elements. The hoop, a representation of life, joins forces with a spider’s web-like weave intricately designed to snare the tendrils of nightmares. Feathers, akin to soft ladders, guide the path of good dreams toward the dreamer’s realm. At the same time, beads serve as storytellers—a solitary bead embodying a spider and an array of beads narrating the ensnarement of bad dreams.
Dinesha decided to make her first dreamcatcher five years ago for her son. The problem was she needed to learn how to start or who she could talk to about learning.
“I found a dreamcatcher at a secondhand store and deconstructed it to figure out how it went together,” Dinesha said. “I taught myself how to make them. I was in a place that needed healing. After that, I found people to assist me with learning new styles and techniques. I find growth in being able to ask for help.”
Dinesha continued, “As for teaching, it was not something I expected, but it has been a wonderful surprise, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Once I got into Hibulb and started meeting more people, I found that I love teaching. There’s nothing like being able to teach at our museum. It’s a blessing and an honor. I hope to get more youth out there learning and showcasing their work.”
As Dinesha continues to inspire with her creative workshops, the dreamcatchers crafted in her class not only capture dreams but also symbolize a journey of healing and artistic expression.
To register for upcoming classes or to learn about future courses, contact Dinesha at (425)876-8788 or visit her website at www.coastsalishconcepts.com.