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A community in New Brunswick is fostering the preservation of culture through the traditional craft of basket weaving. Recently, seven residents from Elsipogtog engaged in a workshop to explore this meaningful art form.
Among the participants, Buffy Peters expressed a deep connection to her family’s history with basket weaving. She reminisced about how her grandfather used to sell handmade baskets in Moncton and felt a strong desire to continue this tradition. “I wanted to learn how to do it because it’s crucial for us to understand our culture and heritage,” she remarked.
Connecting with Culture
The workshop, led by instructor Sandra Racine, emphasized the significance of basket making within the Mi’kmaq community. Participants were involved in every step of the crafting process. “We ventured into the woods to gather materials, brought them back, quartered the log, and then pounded, stripped, and formed the baskets. It’s an extensive process,” Racine detailed.
Racine pointed out that a significant portion of the instruction was conducted in the Mi’kmaq language, which played a vital role in reconnecting participants with their linguistic heritage. “We used words that many hadn’t spoken in years. It’s not just about learning a skill but also revitalizing our language,” she added.
Another participant, Brian Francis, echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of language in preserving cultural practices. “Hearing the terms connected to basket making again brought back memories from my childhood, listening to my grandparents. It’s a revival of both the craft and the language,” he shared.
This workshop not only aims to teach a traditional craft but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural identity and community resilience.
To delve deeper into the story, watch the accompanying video.
Source
globalnews.ca