These transitionary seasons seem to be the time of year when everyone has their attention drawn toward the natural world. In the fall the leaves change colour and the corn and pumpkins are ready for harvest, while in the spring new growth is hard to ignore. But year-round, the evergreens loom, occasionally shedding their needles, though not quite as dramatic as their deciduous cousins. We often overlook these stalwart conifers, but they too provide a sustainable, harvestable resource, and have for generations.
Lorna Andrews, UFV’s Teaching and Learning specialist focusing on Indigenization, runs a series of workshops titled Pining for Needles, which seek to teach the craft of pine needle weaving whilst unpacking topics of decolonization, teaching humility toward the land, and imparting the history of the trade. These workshops result in participants coming away with their own pine needle baskets, yes, but they also detail the specifics of harvesting materials and how to do so with respect. It’s not just about method and craft, but also about praxis — how to go about things properly.Â
A part of this practice is thanking the tree that the needles are taken from, not taking too many (only what is needed and will be used), and acknowledging what it is providing for you or how you will use them. Traditionally, offering tobacco during this acknowledgement is seen as proper form when asking for assistance. This sets a perfect example of the respect and humility that is brought to the trade.
These practices also shine a light on westernized ways of thinking which typically position people as above nature; however, an Indigenized, decolonized outlook reminds us that one depends on the plants and animals of the land to survive. This sustainable, environmental practice, encourages a sense of reciprocity, giving back, and viewing nature as equal, or even a relative, and goes to show why it’s worth passing on — beyond practicality or artistic pursuit.
That’s not to say all things modern ought to be thrown to the wind, however. Andrews, through her workshop, explains not only the traditional methodologies of pine needle work, but also some of the benefits that have come from modernization. Traditionally, sinew (or plant fibers) and sap are key material components, but now imitation sinew and beeswax are often used instead, improving the longevity of the baskets, medallions, or other pine needle creations. On the subject of preservation, Andrews shared that pine needle baskets weren’t very well known for their half-life, often considered disposable or single-use, much the same way we view paper plates or takeout containers today!
Andrews is offering this workshop as a continued series over several sessions throughout the coming months, with dates on Sept. 24 and Nov. 26. Continued education on Indigenization is a major emphasis in her role with the Teaching and Learning Centre, and what better time to continue the labour of decolonization than with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on the horizon?
