Available workshops:
I offer workshops in the classroom and other school settings, libraries, community centres, and other public spaces.
Workshops are offered to students, teachers, and faculty members,
as well as staff-building sessions to organizations.
Pre-Contact and
Residential School History
Learn how the Sḵwú7mesh stelmexw lived prior to contact throughout the territories we now call Squamish Valley, Howe Sound, the North Shore and Burrard Inlet. Understand how colonial impacts and the residential school system affected our language, culture and way of life. Listen to the stories to hear and know the truth.
Traditional Wool-Weaving
Learn to create a quarter bag, headband, wrist-band , or cellphone case, woven on a cardboard loom with contemporary wool. Workshops include the history and revival of wool weaving in our community and the teachings that go with the art practice.
Advanced workshops in pattern design upon request.
Teacher Support from an Indigenous Perspective
Sharing my knowledge and experience on how to work with Indigenous students, families and caregivers, and communities.
Support includes modifying, adapting and Indigenizing your materials and resources.
Testimonials:
When you enjoy the benefits of weaving instruction from Spelexilh, ANJEANETTE Dawson, you are first sensible of the honour of her impressive history, both in helping to regenerate the skills with the Skwxwu7mesh Community, and her own masterful work on display at SFU, the Squamish Lil’way Cultural Centre and her amazing shawl in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. And after that, we had fun! Thankfully Angie has endless patience with a fumble-fingers such as myself. Hugely enjoyable was the camaraderie of a lovely group of women. The great loom that Angie provided now sits in the corner of my living room-there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing my piece progressing in stages when I glance at it! Thank you Angie
Brenda Carlton KGMS
It was an extraordinary honour and privilege to participate in Spelexilh, Anjeanette Dawson’s Floor Loom Workshop and learn the practise and teachings of wool weaving, as well as the history of weaving within the Skwxwu7mesh community. As a newcomer to weaving, I felt very supported and encouraged, even though the workshop attracted a number of other woman. Everyone could work at a level where they were comfortable and challenged. The workshop exceeded all of my expectations. To learn to weave from Spelexilh, an artist who’s work is exhibited internationally, is a rare and precious opportunity. Although weaving is hard work, I found the entire weekend very restorative. Absolutely everything was provided so that I could continue independently after the workshop was over. If you are looking to treat yourself to an extraordinary experience, I highly recommend it. It would also make an incredible and unique gift for a friend or colleague.
Cher Hill, PhD. Assistant Professor SFU
From the gorgeous handmade wooden looms, to the luscious yarns and weaving tools, all is supplied and included in this extremely enjoyable and inspiring weaving workshop. And the best of all……being taught and mentored by Spelexílh, Anjeanette Dawson. A Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) knowledge holder, educator and celebrated traditional wool weaver. Her welcoming kindness, step-by-step guidance, patience and warm smile will have you wishing the weaving workshop was every day! I am thrilled by how much I learned, and joyful for the new friendships formed. I sincerely hope you have the opportunity to experience what I’ms sure will become the inspiration of a life-long love of weaving.
Tracey Miller, Vancouver School District
I had the pleasure of attending a weaving workshop taught by Spelexilh Dawson. It was an incredible experience. Over 3 days, we learned so much including how to warp a floor loom, how to tuck in the ends, how to create different patterns inner weaving including the chevron, twining and twilling. What impressed me the most was Spelexílh’s ability to support all of the participants and provide support when needed. Her passion for weaving is clearly evident and her knowledge is extensive. Not only did we learn how to weave, we learned about he history of weaving and how waving was revitalized by community members in Squamish Nation. Spelexílh is a patient teacher and models how to learn alongside a knowledge keeper. This was the best professional development I’ve ever attended.
Nadine Mcspadden, Aboriginal Resource Teacher. SD42 Maple Ridge