Finger Weaving: Weaving Through Time
When: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 12:45pm-2:30pm
Where: The Art Machine: 357 Fort Street, Hope, BC
Cost: $59
(Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian)
For more information or questions, please contact Tunde
Sash Finger Weaving - Join Hope Mountain Centre, guest instructor Eloi Homier and guest speaker Lisa Berry for a unique, skill-building workshop. Learn to finger weave, the foundation of one of Canada’s oldest multitools, the sash!
Come and weave with us! Guest instructor Eloi Homier will share his knowledge of French Canadian and Metis handicraft finger weaving. This artisan skill has mostly long been replaced by mechanical looms. The sash itself historically served many purposes: worn for fashion, status, warmth, carrying heavy packs, rope to haul canoes, and, more importantly, a symbol of identity for French Canadians and Metis people.
After an introduction to Metis history from Lisa Berry, we will learn to weave together and all participants will get to take home what they’ve created.
Price Includes:
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All materials provided included in cost of program
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Experienced Instruction and take-home project & info
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Light refreshments
Physical Demand:
This is a seated handcraft activity with historical discussion.
Itinerary:
Saturday March 22, 2025
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12:45-1:00 PM -Greeting and Metis history from Ms. Lisa Berry
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1:00-2:30 PM – Finger weaving workshop, led by Eloi Homie
Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly.
What to bring:
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All materials will be provided
Meet Your Guides
Eloi Homier
Guest Instructor
Eloi's path to fingerweaving for sash-making was seemingly inevitable. It connects deeply to his identity and cultural practice. Having spent the last two decades digging into a colourful range of disciplines that connect him with his ancestors – from voyageur canoe guiding to Métis jigging among other things – the “ceinture fléchée” (arrowhead sash) became a big part of his life, in equal parts from its origins in Québec and the coureurs de bois, as from its important symbolism in Métis culture.
Most sashes today are made on a mechanical loom, but Eloi had started to get interested in the traditionally made fingerwoven sashes when he met an artisan and asked them if he could commission a sash. Their answer? “You can't afford it.” This was the perfect catalyst to push Eloi to learn the technique so he could make his own. He never looked back, and has since been commissioned to make a number of pieces, and to teach individuals and groups from Vancouver all the way to Saskatchewan.
Lisa Berry
Guest Speaker
Tân'si, Lisa Berry nisihkâson. I spent my childhood growing up on Treaty 8 located in Alberta. Currently, I reside on Stò:lō Territory in Hope, British Columbia, where I am proudly associated with Métis Nation British Columbia. My Métis family names are Flett, Lizzotte, Carifelle and many more. My connection to the Métis Homeland of Red River is through my second great-grandmother, Julia (Mercredi) Lizotte, who received Halfbreed Land Script which was meant to extinguish Métis Indigenous title.
I began connecting with my culture through illustration in 2022. I started by creating colouring sheets, then a colouring book, and have since self-published three colouring books. My art predominantly features Indigenous women and Métis florals commonly seen in beadwork. In the same year I opened an Etsy shop. I sell Indigenous stickers, prints, shirts, pins and more.
Throughout my art career I have had the privilege of working with clients like Métis Nation British Columbia, Fort McMurray Métis Nation, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Surrey School District. My artistic creations have been used to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Métis people. My artwork has also been utilized to educate young students in Alberta classrooms, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the Métis culture.
In my life I have faced challenges that have made it difficult for me to embrace and celebrate my Indigenous heritage. Through my art, I am healing myself and leaving a legacy for my family. I hope that by sharing my story and art, I can inspire others to embrace their Indigenous roots.
Meg Turner
Program Director
Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you.
Cancellation:
Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone.
A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.
Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed.
Additional information:
Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions.
Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.