Oh Little Cedar Basket

In the Pacific Northwest and Coast Salish waters, the cedar tree is sacred. It gives life, medicine, and hope to all who understand the cedar tree is an inheritance from the earth. In Oh, Little Cedar Tree, Ila Barlean shares the process of a child learning to weave a cedar basket. An elder gives the child this task as an honor. Weaving a basket is a rite of passage, marking the transition from being a child to becoming a young adult. The child learns to listen to the elder's teachings and the cedar tree's whispers. They are guided in understanding which material is meant to be used and which is to be left alone. All material is hand-picked by the basket-maker, who takes into consideration their relationship with the cedar tree.

The child listens to the elder share their wisdom. As a weaver in training, the child learns by watching, listening with their heart, and embracing the lessons. Through the wonderful journey of crafting a cedar basket, the child comes of age, embraces their heritage, and becomes prepared to navigate their future.