“All land is sacred, to all of us.” This is the message that Janice George, Hereditary Chief of the Squamish Nation in British Columbia, is hoping to share with the world through her latest collaboration with The Campaign for Wool Canada/ Canadian Wool Council. Combining Canadian strong wool with the traditional weaving methods of the Squamish people, as well as the Nation’s oral traditions and stories, this project has been titled Sacred Places. We at International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) are looking forward to seeing the finished results.
Introducing Sacred Places
The Sacred Places collection consists of two rugs and one runner. The designs are inspired by the Squamish Nation’s oral traditions relating to various sacred landmarks in the Vancouver area. “In addition to appreciating the design, I hope that this collection resonates with people through its connection to the land,” Chief George says.
The project has been made possible by the Canadian Wool Council and Burritt Bros. Carpet and Floors, the collection’s production partner. Burritt Bros. firmly believes in the unique appeal and properties of wool, unmatched by synthetic fibres. They loved the idea of a collection of carpets made of 100% wool, and designed with reverence for the traditional beliefs and stories of Canada’s Indigenous people. The rugs and runner are made from Canadian wool yarn from Briggs & Little, the country’s oldest mill, based in New Brunswick.
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Showcasing Canadian Wool
Strong wool makes up a sizeable portion of Canada’s wool clip. This particular type of wool is perfect for carpet and rug production, due to its superior strength and durability. As a result, carpets and rugs have become a priority application for the local wool, with the Canadian Wool Council leading the charge in finding the first commercial applications. The participation of Chief George and her husband [and fellow distinguished weaver], Willard “Buddy” Joseph takes the initiative to an entirely new level, by providing beautiful, unique designs that represent indigenous culture and creativity.
The collection is now available from Burritt Bros., and the rugs can be order in three standard sizes – 5×8, 8×10, 9×12. Customized sizes and colors are also a possibility. A portion of each sale will go directly towards the Campaign for Wool-Canada/ Canadian Wool Council’s research and programming work.
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