INSTRUCTOR: Kalyn Kodiak, aapihkayhk sayncheur flayshii (Michif sash weaver)

PROJECT: Create a custom sayncheur flayshii (Metis sash) on an artisan hand loom.  We will start with an overview of the culture and history of the Metis sash. Kalyn will lead you through the design, warping, & weaving processes to create your custom sash from start to finish.

Weaving takes place on a rigid heddle hand loom. The loom can be used to create other fabrics and patterns up to 10 inches wide.

INCLUDED: All materials provided including fibre, printed patterns, and your very own loom to take home.

PREREQUISITE: None! Beginners and experienced weavers are welcome. Suitable for ages 10 and up (younger folks will require guidance from an adult during the learning process).

CANCELLATION POLICY: Due to very small class sizes, we are unable to offer refunds on workshops. If for any reason you are unable to attend, you can send someone in your place. Any classes cancelled by us due to low registration or health mandates will have the option for a refund or transfer to future date.

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time. Class end time may vary.

Kalyn’s BIO: A proud Métis and two-spirit person, Kalyn is descended from a lineage of healers, teachers and artists. She is a founding member and the current president of the Alberta Herbalists Association.

Kalyn spends her days immersed in the lifelong learning of Métis traditional medicine and cultural arts. She began working with plant medicines at the Wild Rose College of Natural Healing in 2006, and became a Clinical Herbalist at Wild Rose in 2012.

Walking on the edge of two worlds, Kalyn is a student of Michif Lifeways and modern western medical research regarding phytochemicals. She is a resource on traditional medicines to the Métis communities of southern Alberta, and aen aapikayahk sayncheur flayshii (Métis sash weaver).

Kalyn loves to teach and hosts workshops in health and herbs, Métis traditions, plant identification and cultural art. She has been honoured to visit numerous schools, youth and community groups as a culture teacher and herbalist. She is a passionate guide to locals and tourists who wish to learn about the Métis of southern Alberta.