The aim of this blog post is to convey a personal experience and highlight the significance of community and connection through the time-honored practices of cedar bark processing and basket weaving. Our goal is to inspire and encourage more gatherings similar to the wonderful event we held last year.
This past spring, our retreat center had the pleasure of hosting two engaging workshops titled “Reclaiming Lost Relationships: Welcome to Village Mindedness Workshop” and “Work, Play, Love: Reciprocal Community Work Party Revival.” These events were designed to foster a sense of community and connection among participants, encouraging them to explore the essence of village-mindedness in a supportive environment.
The first workshop centered around the theme of community, led by local facilitators Gitta Ridder, Malin Christensson, and KL Kivi. Each brought their own perspectives and insights into the concept of village-mindedness, guiding participants in forging deeper connections with one another, the land they inhabit, and their own inner selves. This gathering was a rich tapestry of hands-on activities, including the art of cedar bark basket making, combined with meaningful discussions and exercises that delved into the principles of compassionate communication, personal growth, and the importance of collaboration within a community.
The second workshop catered to those interested in organizing or participating in community work parties. It focused on developing essential skills for managing group dynamics, exploring various leadership styles, and understanding the responsibilities that come with them. Participants engaged in team-building exercises and challenges that not only made the experience enjoyable but also meaningful. A significant part of this workshop involved processing cedar bark into weaving materials, alongside other short projects aimed at enhancing the ecosystem management of a rural property, thereby reinforcing the connection between community work and environmental stewardship.
Embracing a community-focused mindset while engaging in collaborative activities such as cedar bark processing or basket weaving is essential. Acknowledging and honoring the indigenous nations that have generously shared their techniques, prayers, and ways of life with us is equally crucial. Each tribe or nation brings its own unique methods and intentions to the designs they create, highlighting the rich diversity of these practices. Additionally, it is vital to seek permission from the trees and to adopt responsible land and forest stewardship when gathering bark. This approach reflects a deep respect and reverence for these plant beings, their roots, and the wisdom of those who have traditionally known how to honor them appropriately.
The Western Red Cedar stands out as a vital component of the local ecosystem, renowned for its diverse cultural uses. This remarkable tree belongs to the Cypress family, specifically known as Arbor Vitae, and its Latin designation translates to “tree of life.” This name appropriately reflects the profound impact the tree has had on the communities that rely on it for various purposes, from construction to crafting.
When it comes to basketry, the most prized part of the Western Red Cedar is its fibrous inner bark. We utilized a traditional technique for harvesting, known as “pulling” the bark, which is best done in the spring when the sap is flowing freely. Strips can be harvested in impressive lengths of up to twenty-five feet by carefully breaking them off as they reach toward the tree’s crown. The outer bark, which is brittle, is removed through pulling or scraping, allowing access to the inner layers. This inner bark is characterized by its light color and smooth, leather-like feel, transitioning from a vibrant orange to a soft brown as it ages over the course of a year. Once it has matured, the strips are moistened and cut to precise dimensions, ready to be woven into beautiful baskets.
First Nations people have a rich tradition of crafting diverse baskets that fulfilled numerous functions, such as collecting, storing, and preparing food; organizing household items; transporting various objects; and even safeguarding their young children. Gathering baskets played a crucial role in collecting roots, berries, shellfish, and other edible items. Many of these baskets featured leather loops or carrying straps, allowing users to keep their hands free while foraging. Additionally, berry baskets were often designed to be soft and flexible, making it easy to fold and store them when they were not needed.
In a world that often feels disconnected, engaging in group activities, such as basket weaving, can provide the sense of community and connection that many of us yearn for. By stepping outside our homes and participating in these shared experiences, we find ourselves surrounded by individuals like Gitta, Malin, and K.L. Kivi, who bring a wealth of wisdom and are eager to share their insights with us. These gatherings allow us to forge friendships and learn valuable lessons as we come together to weave, sing, and share our stories in a circle, creating a space where we can openly discuss our experiences and emotions. This collective journey not only strengthens our bonds with one another but also helps us reconnect with our own inner selves.
The key to this enriching experience lies in our willingness to take that first step into the world and embrace the unknown with courage. By actively participating in these communal activities, we begin to craft the tapestry of our lives, filled with vibrant threads of connection and understanding. It’s through these shared moments that we can truly appreciate the beauty of human interaction and the profound impact it has on our well-being.
