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Two members of the Education Communications team, Monica De Mesa, and Irene Thanh, had the privilege to attend this inspiring and insightful event.

The traditional practices of weaving and carving carry teachings that intentionally take root deeper below the surface. For many Nations, these practices are living reflections of law, memory, identity, and relationship—ways of knowing that are enacted through the hands and grounded in generational responsibilities.

On October 23, 2025, the Office of Indigenous Education (OIE) and the Artist-in-Residence project co-hosted an Indigenous Knowledge Holder Teaching Series event, bringing together community members, faculty, staff, and students. The event featured the creative work of â€¯qÊ·É™nat , master weaver from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Sts’Ailes Nations, and  , carver from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Ãšxwumixw.

The evening began at the Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, where Splash opened the space with a hand-drum song, grounding the gathering in respect and intention. Angela shared her gratitude for the opportunity to speak to the weaving project, and the teachings embedded within the looms—teachings that are not merely symbolic, but carry law, relationship, and responsibility.  

From there, attendees proceeded to the First Peoples’ Gathering House where the community had the opportunity to view a film produced in partnership between Two Eyes Productions and OIE. The film follows Angela and Splash as they weave, carve, and collaborate, practicing teachings that have historically been disrupted due to colonization. Their artistic process illustrates the strength and intentionality of sharing knowledge across generations. 

Following the screening, Jennie Blankinship, former OIE manager, moderated a discussion with the artists and their apprentices, Randi-lee Charlie (Sts’ailes Nation) and . Splash spoke about the longstanding relationships between mentors and learners—relationships that have shaped canoes, longhouses, and countless other forms of knowledge sharing since time immemorial. He emphasized that these relationships are not transactional but grounded in trust, responsibility, and shared experience.

Angela reflected on weaving as a path of restoration—reconnecting with ancestral teachings, strengthening community, and renewing aspects of cultural practice that were disrupted but never lost. She highlighted the importance of honouring different forms of knowledge sharing, including those expressed through embodied practice, story, material skill, and relationship rather than solely through written documentation.

A theme woven throughout the evening was the idea of planting seeds. Participants described how small moments of learning—when shared with care and consent—can take root over time. For Angela, teaching weaving is a way of supporting these seeds, ensuring that future generations can engage with the teachings held within the practice according to the protocols of their communities.

Through the artists’ words and work, the gathering honoured the distinct teachings shared by Angela and Splash and their respective Nations.

Attendee Reflections