The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is inviting the public to discover the colours of the land at a new hands-on natural dyeing workshop on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Co-facilitated by Shuswap Band (Secwépemc Nation) member Nadine McSpadden and Vancouver-based textile artist and ecologist Zoe McDonell, the five-hour session will guide participants through the basics of foraging for local dye plants, lichens and mushrooms—and how to use them to transform wool into rich, natural hues.
McSpadden brings a passion for land-based learning and Indigenous pedagogy, weaving in teachings such as two-eyed seeing—a framework for bringing together Indigenous and Western worldviews—and the 5 R’s: respect, reciprocity, relationship, relevance and reverence.
McDonell, who has more than 20 years of experience in natural dyeing, will share her expertise in ecological land management and sustainable textile practices, drawing on her work with one of the Treaty 8 Nations.
Each student will complete a small woven project, such as a bookmark or coaster, made with naturally dyed wool.
The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SLCC, located at 4584 Blackcomb Way. Tickets are $150 and open to anyone interested, with no prior experience required.
For more information or to register, visit slcc.ca.
