Reviving Ts’msyen Cedar Basketry: A Cultural Heritage Initiative

Kailee Hall is a program intern at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and a senior art history and international studies major at Hollins University.

The Importance of Cedar in Ts’msyen Culture

The red cedar tree, known as smg̱a̱n or aam g̱a̱n among the Ts’msyen people, embodies deep cultural significance. This tree is honored as “the real tree” or “the good tree” due to its extensive applications—from clothing and housing to ceremonial totem poles and intricately woven baskets. The versatility of cedar is a cornerstone of Ts’msyen life, ensuring the preservation of their history and cultural heritage across generations.

The Art of Ts’msyen Basketry

Through the endangered weaving style of Annette Island, Kandi McGilton utilizes red cedar to create beautifully ornate baskets. As an esteemed Ts’msyen artist from the G̱anhada clan, McGilton has dedicated herself to teaching this intricate craft within her community in Metlakatla, Alaska. Her journey has been enriched by her apprenticeship under master weavers Holly and Delores Churchill, where she gained not just technical skills, but a profound understanding of preserving and intensifying her Ts’msyen identity.

Preserving Ancestral Knowledge

For Indigenous artists like McGilton, the essence of ancestral knowledge lies in the intention to uphold and share it within their communities. Intergenerational teaching is a key element of this cultural preservation, fostering connections that bridge teachers, students, and their rich ancestral history. McGilton embodies this ethos through her commitment to nurturing the next generation of weavers, ensuring that the cultural practices remain vibrant and relevant.

Community Impact and Cultural Celebrations

The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival showcased McGilton, celebrating Indigenous Voices of the Americas and highlighting the living traditions of basket weaving. For McGilton, each woven piece serves as a testament to the strength of her community and their connection to Ts’msyen heritage. This festival provided an invaluable platform for sharing their unique history and artistry.

McGilton’s mission goes beyond merely weaving; it is about fostering community engagement. Students in her classes are involved in each stage of the basket-making process, from harvesting cedar bark to weaving the finished product. Tending the cedar trees and respecting their growth ensures students develop a connection not just to their craft, but also to the trees that sustain their traditions.

Revival of Techniques and Styles

The weaving tradition on Annette Island has a unique history, dating back to the repatriation of Ts’msyen families led by missionary William Duncan in 1887. Historical accounts reveal that while settled in Metlakatla, some traditions faded as families embraced new religious practices. Nevertheless, Founders Day, celebrated every August 7, acts as an important cultural marker. It allows families to remember and revive Ts’msyen customs and traditions despite the challenges posed by colonial influences.

Influences from Neighboring Tribes

Throughout the years, weaving techniques and styles have blended with nearby tribes such as the Tlingit and Haida. This cross-cultural exchange has influenced the Ts’msyen Annette Island style that McGilton teaches. The weaving method now incorporates features unique to these tribes, including a clockwise weaving technique and the use of contrasting materials to create stunning designs estimated to captivate both the eye and the heart.

Challenges in Knowledge Transmission

Regrettably, the knowledge of traditional Ts’msyen basketry faces threats from evolving styles and practices that downplay their distinct heritage. For instance, many new weavers, unaware of their cultural roots, adopt techniques that echo the Haida style taught by prominent weavers in the region. McGilton recognizes a need to reclaim and revive the Ts’msyen style, calling attention to its unique characteristics and significance.

The Process of Basketry

Basket-making is not merely a craft but an intertwined journey of learning and connection. McGilton’s classes emphasize material sourcing, honoring the trees that provide the essential cedar bark. Students engage in the labor-intensive process of harvesting and preparing materials, including the sacred practice of offering prayers to the trees. The knowledge passed down through these practices connects contemporary weavers to their ancestors, creating a lineage of artistry and respect.

Conclusion: Fostering Pride and Connection

Kandi McGilton’s dedication to preserving the art of Ts’msyen cedar basketry not only enriches her community in Metlakatla but also invigorates the broader narrative of Indigenous heritage. While weaving baskets, she nurtures pride, connection, and understanding of the past, aiming to pass down this legacy to future generations. The unbroken chain of learning and sharing reveals an enduring commitment to culture that transcends time.

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