Welcome to a new year! At the beginning of spring.
I have facilitated many workshops in the past year in schools, community centres and libraries.
If you would like to order a loom, my loom maker is Bob Miraftab. his email address is miramaxwoodworking@gmail.com or email me for his phone number.
Chen Kwen Mantumiyap, Thank you all.
To Register for my workshops, hit the “Inquiry About A Workshop” below. It will take you to a form where you can fill out your name, email address, name the workshop you are signing up for and in the messages, put the date and name of workshop you’re signing up for.
Huy chexw a, Thank you
Spelexilh
My Teachings | My Philosophy
IT BEGINS IN COMMUNITY.
I have sat with colleagues, elders, teachers, parents, students, administrators, district principals, trustees and knowledge keepers. The goal is the same, we are here for our children, supporting in creating good human beings. Let me help you build your network.
WE CAN’T DO THIS ALONE.
The teaching is, “the work that we all do, we can’t do it alone.” At the beginning of our careers we start building relationships. We all have our gifts, combined we address anything that comes our way. We must depend on our network to implement their knowledge and experience and come up with a working plan and strategies.
DOING THE WORK.
In order to do the work, one must not think or lead by their job titles. The teaching is, “we are all equal, no-one is above us and no-one is below us. Regardless of their job title, once you walk through those doors, we are all equal.” As it should be, be a good leader and lead by example. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Let’s come up with a plan to incorporate Indigenous teachings and methodology into your school.
Workshop Examples
I offer workshops in schools, in classrooms, after school, evenings and weekends.
Hit the Inquiry About a Workshop, below to book your workshop today.
Wool Weaving
Learn to create a quarter bag, headband, wrist-band or cellphone case, woven on a cardboard loom. Beginning with the history of wool weaving, the revival of weaving in our community, the teachings that go with the weaving. Advanced workshops in pattern design upon request.
Pre-Contact & Residential School History
Learn how Squamish people lived prior to contact, how residential school affected our language, culture and way of life, listen to the stories, know the truth.
Teaching Teachers how to be “Teachers”
Sharing my knowledge & experience on how to work with Indigenous communities, students, families and caregivers. Begin to understand education through an Indigenous worldview.
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
