Similkameen-sylix weaving – nʔaʕx̌ʷt – Ginty’s Pond
Similkameen-sylix weaving:
This video features Wendy Hawkes with her niece Sarain Squakin gathering cattail and bulrush at nʔaʕx̌ʷt – Ginty’s Pond for basket weaving. This video is from a webinar put together by the UBC Learning Circle, in the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health.
Wendy shares history, knowledge, and important messages about harvesting practices: “these places are the places that clean our water, and without water, none of us can live… we have to take care of these places, these wetlands..”
Re-connecting people to the land and supporting indigenous use was an objective of the Ginty’s restoration project.
Learn more about the UBC Learning Circle here: https://learningcircle.ubc.ca/
A standalone version of the film can be viewed below
About the Presenter
Wendy Hawkes
Wendy is similkameen-syilx and a grandmother of 6. Originally introduced to traditional tulè weaving by her great aunt 40 years ago, Wendy continues to research, practice and teach weaving.
Wendy says, “Weaving is so much more than a craft. It is science, engineering, biology and ethnobotany.
Weaving connects the past, present and future, It deepens my connection to the land and water and calms my soul”.
Waiting for Spring at Ginty’s Pond / Nʔaʕx̌ʷt
Waiting for Spring at our Ginty’s Pond restoration area!
This part of Ginty’s Pond, known as Nʔaʕx̌ʷt in the syilx language was restored in fall 2022 in collaboration with Lower Similkameen Indian Band, the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Protection, the BC Wildlife Federation, our property neighbours, local businesses, and others.
Our team deepened over a hectare of cattail-clogged wetland to restore it to a more productive open water condition, introduced a lot of coarse woody debris, and planted about 1700 native trees and shrubs to create new habitats for several species-at-risk. While we wait for Spring to arrive, SILT is continuing work on improving site signage and visitor experiences at the property, as well as working with Similkameen Elementary-Secondary School and community volunteers to conduct post-restoration monitoring.
Use the link below to learn more about the Ginty’s Pond restoration project and to donate to help SILT conserve even more wildlife habitat.
Read more about the Ginty’s Pond Restoration Project
DONATE TO SILT
Restoring Ginty’s Pond
SILT’s Ginty’s Pond wetland at Cawston BC is receiving some great collaborative management attention! Thank you to the dedicated team working to maintain this amazing natural space as productive habitat for wildlife and people!
For the complete story see the BCWF Blog
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION FOR RESTORING GINTY’S POND
Ginty’s Pond Gets New Sign
Volunteer President Ross Everatt has installed a replacement sign at SILT’s Ginty’s Pond at Cawston. The pond is valuable habitat for waterfowl, songbirds, painted turtle and other wildlife. The pond has also been a community gathering place, such as for ice-skating parties in winter. Ginty Cawston was a son of a local pioneer and owned the property; his family wanted the pond preserved in honour of Ginty’s love of nature and community. SILT acquired the property in 1991.
Last week, the BC Wildlife Federation Wetlands Team hosted a 2-day Wetlandkeepers community workshop focussed on Ginty’s Pond. SILT appreciates the support and interest of the community in keeping the pond productive and enjoyable — for all living things!
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