By Molly Bryant, Puyallup Tribal News
Weavers of all ages gathered at the Winner’s Gym on Saturday, Dec. 9, for the annual Winter Weavers event, hosted by the Puyallup Tribe’s Cultural Department.
With the holiday season in full swing, attendees had the wonderful opportunity to craft heartfelt gifts for their loved ones.
There were workshops catering to weavers of all skill levels, including cedar belt, rattle and reindeer weaving, Christmas tree ornament beading, basket weaving and more. Tribal members Peggy McCloud, Teresa Harvey, Marsha Pluff, Benita Ochoa and other instructors guided participants, and there were even kid-friendly activities for children ages 12 and under.
The Winter Weavers event drew high attendance this year, filling most of the gym, and many attendees expressed thanks to the Cultural Department for putting on such a great event.
Christmas ornament beading teacher Benita Ochoa’s favorite aspect of the event was seeing Tribal members learn and be engaged by culture. “It’s an amazing experience to see our people learn to walk in both worlds,” she said. “Seeing all the staff teaching and giving the gift of culture is truly a gift in and of itself.”
