Burke Museum Unveils Coast Salish Weaving’s Legacy of Resilience and Craftsmanship
A new exhibit at the Burke Museum is showcasing the deep cultural traditions of Coast Salish weaving. Titled Woven in Wool: Resilience in Coast Salish Weaving, the display highlights the skill, knowledge, and resilience of Native weavers. Co-curated with Indigenous artists, it marks the first fully Burke-developed exhibit in the museum’s new building.
The idea for the exhibit began with Native weavers on the executive board of the Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center. With support from the Burke Museum, they shaped a display that honours both ancestral techniques and living traditions. The project also reflects a broader effort to revive weaving, with over 2,000 weavers now active in the Squamish community alone.
The exhibit features a striking collection of Coast Salish regalia, including robes, hoods, leggings, tumplines, and capes. Each piece is crafted from rare mountain goat wool, a material that is both precious and painstakingly gathered by hand. Using this wool was a bold choice, balancing excitement with the challenge of working with such a scarce resource. Visitors can explore the intricate details of the regalia through visual guides that explain the weaving process. Audio recordings of weavers discussing their ancestors’ work add a personal dimension, while hands-on activities invite participation. The exhibit also celebrates the deep connections between weavers, their families, and the natural world—from plants and animals to the changing seasons. Co-curator Paula Nelson helped bring the vision to life, ensuring the display reflects both cultural accuracy and artistic depth. The collaboration between the Burke Museum and Native artists has created a space where tradition and education intertwine.
The exhibit stands as a testament to Coast Salish cultural resilience and the enduring knowledge of Native weavers. By weaving together history, craftsmanship, and community, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into an art form deeply tied to the land. The Burke Museum’s commitment to teaching and preserving this tradition ensures its legacy will continue for generations.
