By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On the final day of summer, participants gathered at the Hibulb Cultural Center for Tulalip Master Weaver Jamie Sheldon’s cedar basket class. Held on Saturday, September 21, as part of Tulalip’s Season of Healing, the class welcomed 14 eager attendees ready to learn.
Throughout the session, Jamie moved swiftly around the room, guiding each student to stay on track to finish their cedar baskets before the class concluded.
The day’s task required a lot of focus. As Tara Polk from Everett noted, “It’s frustrating; you want to be good at it your first time, but it requires so much concentration to perfect it.”
With Tulalip tribal member Wilma Gloria’s help, Jamie Sheldon could provide individual attention to each student, ensuring no one felt left behind.
Reflecting on her experience of making a basket for the first time, Tara added, “Jamie’s patience and ability to help were astounding. The class was great, but it was a difficult process to start. But I stuck with it, and I’m happy I could finish. I would highly recommend taking a class.”
Jamie Sheldon, a traditional weaver with over 20 years of experience, shared that the Hibulb Cultural Center reached out to her because of her extensive background in weaving. She has been teaching at the center for over five years.
Reflecting on the class, Jamie said, “I loved the class. A lot of people finished their basket, and those who didn’t, I feel, got the concept, and that’s fine with me. But if they keep coming back, they will get even better.”
Jamie also emphasized the cultural significance and healing properties of cedar. “Cedar is healing. Cedar has always been a healing part of our culture,” she explained. “When you harvest your cedar, it’s quiet and serene—it’s just you and the cedar. And as long as you keep working with the cedar, it will heal you.”
Upcoming events at the Hibulb Cultural Center in October include Weaving Toddler Wool Skirt with Virginia Jones on Saturday, October 5, Dentalium Earrings with Santana Shopbell-Proehl on Saturday, October 12, and Painting with Monie Ordonia on Saturday, October 26. Be sure to call ahead to register and inquire about class pricing by contacting the Hibulb Cultural Center at (360) 716-2600 or emailing info@hibulbculturalcenter.org.