In this unique workshop experience, participants will learn the ancient skill of pine needle coil basket weaving as taught by indigenous elder, Cata Gomes. As a way to connect with and learn about ancestral weaving practices, students will be taught basic basket weaving skills using natural fibers, gain an understanding about gathering and processing materials such as pine needles and kelp and become familiar with a variety of stitches used in basket construction. This workshop is for all ages (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
By the end of the class, participants will have created their own small coiled pine needle basket.
About the Instructor
Catalina Gomes grew up in San José, where she witnessed the transitions of the “Valley of the Heart’s Delight” into today’s “Silicon Valley”. She found refuge in the redwood forests living off the grid, establishing a closer relationship to the earth and the ocean.
As a young adult, Cata learned she was descended from the Salinan Tribe. It recently came to light that her family also has lineage to Rammaytush and Bay Miwok ancestry. The Mission Dolores records revealed Muchia Te’ as the family matriarch who links Cata’s lineage to the Rammaytush Tribe.
She is dedicated to the rematriation of her ancestral homeland, and has founded the Muchia Te’ Indigenous Land Trust (MTILT) which is named in her family Matriarch's honor.. For more information about MTILT see https://muchiateilt.org
