Bio

Chepximiya Siyam’ Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph are accomplished weavers and teachers from the Squamish Nation.

They have co-founded L’hen Awtxw Weaving House to share the teachings and practice of traditional Coast Salish wool weaving. Chief Janice George graduated from Capilano University, North Vancouver BC, and the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM, USA. She feels her education at these schools helped her excel as a teacher, adding to her most important traditional teachings. She is a hereditary chief, trained museum curator and educator. George also co-organized the 1st Canada Northwest Coast Weavers Gathering with other Squamish Nation Weavers. George and Joseph are from prominent Squamish families and have numerous ceremonial and cultural responsibilities in their community. Joseph is the former director of the Squamish Housing and Capital Projects and currently consults on capital projects for First Nations communities.

In September 2021, Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph became the Vancouver Art Gallery’s inaugural Elder in Residence. 

Events

• Weaving Cultural Identities
• Threads Through Time Touring Exhibition