Weaving friendship bracelets with guidance from Haida artist Todd G̱íihlgiigaa

Connected North Impact Series blog prepared by Jennifer Corriero

Weaving circles allow for sharing of cultural stories and foster community-building among those involved. Haida Cedar Bark weaver Todd G̱íihlgiigaa has offered Connected North sessions to classrooms in 22 different communities over the past 4 years where students have learned how to weave their own friendship bracelet with sustainably harvested cedar bark. Todd explains that “It has been a great way to present our cultural teachings through this medium.”

In his role as a content provider with Connected North, Todd talks about how he enjoys the “organic transfer of knowledge”, “telling stories from generation to generation” while bringing oral history to the students, giving them space to ask questions. “This is an interactive medium” and “it makes it very personal”.

Todd shares a memorable moment from a question posed by a student. She asked “how do you know all the plants are sisters?” As Todd responds to the question, he explains how the Haida language describes the plants as our sisters because they take care of us. He goes on to talk about how we rely on plants in order to live on this planet. His session also talks more about his relationship to the cedar tree that is also very significant to the Haida people.

Teachers describe the session as “a great activity” with “easy to follow instructions” and “very informative”.

“Stories that are usually expressed in crests, in totem poles or tattoos on our bodies, on our canoes. Having this medium, being able to be in so many places at once without having to physically be there, through video and the internet… It is really cost effective.”

These hands-on learning sessions for students through live video conferencing are made possible with the support of donors and our ecosystem of partners. The kits are prepared for each student and once the students complete their cedar friendship bracelet, they can choose to keep their final work or gift it to a friend! These opportunities help to enhance social connection and cultural awareness.

“It is really enjoyable to be able to see their smiles and their feeling of achievement. I’m hoping those teachings will sink in and last with them for many years.” — Todd G̱íihlgiigaa