Talking with Grandmothers

The video above, by Harlan Smith (The Coast Salish Indians of British Columbia, Harlan Smith, ca. 1928 Canadian Museum of History, 16-0400-0008), depicts some of the activities of daily living that would have taken place on the west coast, as well as other places, before colonization. Fishing, weaving and dancing, gathering food and supplies were integral parts of life for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and other Indigenous people who lived off the bounty of the land. 

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My Aunty Harriet (Skwetsiya Harriette Johnnie) is shown in this film not only preparing her wool with her spindle whorl for weaving but she is also shown working on a large weaving as well as a cedar hat.

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Click on the links below to be introduced to some of my ancestor family members. Although we are separated by time, they feel very close to me still. You can also learn about the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and other Nations today, and how people continue to regain and live the way of our ancestors. 

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