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Woven in Wool: Resilience in Coast Salish Weaving showcases both historical and contemporary woven items, including blankets, tunics, hoods, and skirts.
Journey through the seasonal cycle of weaving, from gathering materials and spinning wool to dyeing with natural ingredients and weaving intricate designs. Along the way, learn firsthand from weavers and gain insight into the deep cultural and scientific knowledge embedded in every strand.
As you enter the exhibit, you’ll see baskets, tump lines, and raw materials — all part of the first phase of the weaving process: gathering. Ancestral weavings—some on loan and returning to Coast Salish territory for the first time in a century — are displayed alongside contemporary creations by the co-curators.
Touchable replicas of spinning and weaving tools, alongside audio storytelling from weavers throughout the gallery, bring this living practice to life. Opportunities to try weaving and patternmaking invite all ages to try their hand at the skills needed to bring these creations to life!
About the Exhibition
Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center
The mission of the Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center (CSWWC) is to preserve and promote the tradition of Coast Salish wool weaving.
The CSWWC is a nonprofit led by the committed group of weavers who co-curated Woven in Wool: Resilience in Coast Salish Weaving. Chepximiya Siyam Chief Dr. Janice George, sa’hLa mitSa Dr. Susan Pavel, SiSeeNaxAlt Gail White Eagle, Haʔməkʷitən Kelly Sullivan, teeweewas Tillie Jones, and Qw3 ’May Usia Tahnee Hawk Miller all contribute to their communities by preserving and promoting the Indigenous weave style of the Salish Sea territory.
The CSWWC offers classes in harvesting, processing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving and encourages both emerging and established weavers to follow the knowledge of their ancestors. Visit the Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center website to learn more.
Exhibition Co-Curators
sa’hLa mitSa Dr. Susan Pavel (Filipina, married into Skokomish Tribe)
Lead co-curator for Woven in Wool, Pavel is also the president and director of the Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center (CSWWC) executive board, a wool weaver and teacher for 30 years, and a faculty member at Evergreen State College teaching all aspects of wool weaving. Dr. Pavel has been a friend of the Burke Museum and the Bill Holm Center for years.
Chepximiya Siyam Chief Dr. Janice George (Squamish)
Hereditary Chief of Squamish Nation, BC. Co-curator of Woven in Wool and member of the CSWWC executive board. Revived wool weaving at Squamish Nation weaving and teaching for 23 years with her husband, Buddy Joseph (Squamish), trained museum curator, educator, and artist prominent in the city of Vancouver, Canada. George received her Honorary Doctorate from Emily Carr University in 2025.
teeweewas Tillie Jones (Tulalip, Wanapum-Yakama)
Co-curator of Woven in Wool and vice president of the CSWWC. Tulalip, Wanapum-Yakama Nation tribal member, wool and cedar weaver for 20 years. Worked at the Bill Holm Center in the Burke Museum Arts & Cultures department from 2018 to 2019. Married to carver and Woven in Wool contributor and advisor Wenanua Al Charles, Jr. (Lower Elwha Klallam).
Haʔməkʷitən Kelly Sullivan (Port Gamble S’Klallam)
Co-curator of Woven in Wool and member of the CSWWC executive board. Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member and Executive Director. Wool weaver and teacher for six years. Former wool weaving apprentice with Susan Pavel through BHC Mentor-Apprenticeship grant.
SiSeeNaxAlt Gail White Eagle (Muckleshoot)
Co-curator of Woven in Wool and member of the CSWWC Executive Board. Muckleshoot tribal member, wool and cedar weaver and teacher for 29 years. A specialist in sustainable gathering of materials for basketry and weaving. Master Cultural Traditions Specialist with the Muckleshoot tribe, sharing her knowledge with youth, adults, and elders.
Qw3 ’May Usia Tahnee Hawk Miller (Skokomish)
Co-curator of Woven in Wool and member of the CSWWC Executive Board. Manages the Skokomish Community Center. Took her first weaving class with Dr. Pavel in 2017 and will continue cultivating this passion.
Wenanua Al Charles, Jr. (Lower Elwha Klallam)
Advisor and contributor to Woven in Wool. Married to teeweewas Tillie Jones. In 2000, he retired from fishing to work exclusively on his artwork and works in wood, precious metals, paint, design, and sculpture. His creations include jewelry, totems, masks, prints, and paddles.
Skwetsimltexw Willard “Buddy” Joseph (Squamish)
Advisor and contributor to Woven in Wool and married to Chief George, Joseph is the former director of the Squamish Housing and Capital Projects. Both Joseph and George are from prominent Squamish families and have numerous ceremonial and cultural responsibilities in their community.
The Burke Museum is proud to collaborate with the Coast Salish Wool Weaving Center, whose members are the lead curators for this exhibition.
Exhibit Sponsors
