Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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Ed Carriere Receives the National Heritage Fellowship Award in September 2023

November 5, 2023 By Melinda

Ed Carriere has been working steadily for eight decades keeping Suquamish weaving traditions alive. I’ve always known him to be a unique and talented individual, a good friend, and a teacher. One of the lessons I carry from knowing Ed is that a love for learning can take you places you never dreamed possible. I am so happy Ed Carriere is being appreciated all around the world, through many awards, accolades, and affirmations like the 2023 National Heritage Award Fellowship. Ed traveled to Washington DC in the company of his granddaughter and three great-grandchildren; along with his friend and colleague Dale Croes.

Ed is the first recipient. All of the honorees were amazing and deserving. I appreciated hearing what they each chose to say when the microphone was in their hands. I hope you enjoy the program.

Filed Under: Community, My Teachers, News, Resources, Upcoming Tagged With: Dale Croes, Ed Carriere, National Heritage Fellowship Award 2023, Suquamish, Suquamish elder, Washington DC

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About Melinda

Forty years ago, while sitting on the beach playing with my young children, I made my first basket out of a pile of willow trimmings someone had tossed there. It looked wildly made like a crazy bird’s nest. While being together with my two sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, this simple experience of crafting with the natural materials at hand kindled a passion for creating forms using plant fibers. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.
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