A large, dark brown house with stone accents and white trim is nestled amongst lush green trees under a clear blue sky.

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HERITAGE ABBOTSFORD SOCIETY

Heritage Abbotsford Society promotes cultural heritage through education and community engagement, preserving and sharing the history of Abbotsford and its diverse communities to foster understanding and appreciation of local traditions.

Join Leonard Tiger Williams as he guides participants through cedar cuff weaving at Selxw&iacute;:chel Arts and Culture Day on June 7, 2026.&nbsp; Leonard Williams, a member of the Quatsino First Nation is an accomplished, self-taught cedar bark artist of 20 plus years. Born in Alert Bay, British Columbia in 1960 and of the Quatsino and Tlowitsi ancestry, Williams was raised by both his grandmother and great grandmother who encouraged him to pursue his interests for studying the natural world. With a background in Culturally Modified Trees and Traditional Use Studies, Williams opportunity to learn about the ecological growing conditions of various cedar species would eventually evolve into a harmonious relationship from start to finish of every piece of work he does. &nbsp;His artistry with cedar bark weaving is a result of the many different perspectives from which he studies his subject. His work is also informed by his study of Quatsino ethnographic objects held in museums around the world. In learning their forms, styles and weaving patterns, he repatriates lost knowledge for return to his people. From gathering and harvesting his cedar, visualization and implementing skill and technique&ndash; every piece clearly has a song deep in traditional values and process. &nbsp;Leonard also finds the time to teach in various community outlets such as Culture Saves Lives, Victoria Coalition for the Homeless, various First Nation B.C. Elementary Schools and Universities and currently offers workshops to the public at the Vancouver Community Campus, Van Dusen Botanical Garden and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses in Vancouver, British Columbia to encourage cultural appreciation for First Nation peoples.

Cedar Cuff Weaving Workshop with Leonard Tiger Williams 2026

PAYMENT IS REQUIRED THE DAY OF THE EVENT Everything required for the workshop is included in the drum kits, including a drumstick. Please register for the drum you want; you will pay for it the day of the event. The prices are listed below.&nbsp;<hr fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"> This unique workshop is a special opportunity to learn about Indigenous drum-making and create your own beautiful drum. Darren Charlie is a well-known drum maker from Sts&rsquo;ailes and owner of Sasquatch Drums and Sasquatch Tours &amp; Cultural Presentations. He has more than 30 years of drum-making experience and he has shared his knowledge of drum-making and singing with many different groups throughout BC and Washington State. Darren also has a workshop called Voice of the Drum in which students make their own drum and learn the teachings of the drum. Darren&rsquo;s drums have been displayed in the Canadian Pavilion at the Torino Olympics, and in numerous locations throughout Vancouver. One notable piece of Darren&#39;s is a 30&rdquo; drum displayed on a totem pole carved by Francis Horne for Vancouver Native Housing. Prices:&nbsp;Please note: only credit card and cash are accepted. No debit.&nbsp;7-inch drum: $4710-inch drum: $7212-inch drum: $9514-inch drum: $14016-inch drum: $175

Drum-Making Workshop [Registration Only]

Join Leonard Tiger Williams as he guides participants through cedar cuff weaving at Selxw&iacute;:chel Arts and Culture Day on June 8, 2025.&nbsp; Leonard Williams, a member of the Quatsino First Nation is an accomplished, self-taught cedar bark artist of 20 plus years. Born in Alert Bay, British Columbia in 1960 and of the Quatsino and Tlowitsi ancestry, Williams was raised by both his grandmother and great grandmother who encouraged him to pursue his interests for studying the natural world. With a background in Culturally Modified Trees and Traditional Use Studies, Williams opportunity to learn about the ecological growing conditions of various cedar species would eventually evolve into a harmonious relationship from start to finish of every piece of work he does. &nbsp;His artistry with cedar bark weaving is a result of the many different perspectives from which he studies his subject. His work is also informed by his study of Quatsino ethnographic objects held in museums around the world. In learning their forms, styles and weaving patterns, he repatriates lost knowledge for return to his people. From gathering and harvesting his cedar, visualization and implementing skill and technique&ndash; every piece clearly has a song deep in traditional values and process. &nbsp;Leonard also finds the time to teach in various community outlets such as Culture Saves Lives, Victoria Coalition for the Homeless, various First Nation B.C. Elementary Schools and Universities and currently offers workshops to the public at the Vancouver Community Campus, Van Dusen Botanical Garden and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses in Vancouver, British Columbia to encourage cultural appreciation for First Nation peoples.

Cedar Cuff Weaving Workshop with Leonard Tiger Williams

PRE-REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED Everything required for the workshop is included in the drum kits, including a drumstick. <hr fr-original-style="" style="clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"> This unique workshop is a special opportunity to learn about Indigenous drum-making and create your own beautiful drum. Darren Charlie is a well-known drum maker from Sts&rsquo;ailes and owner of Sasquatch Drums and Sasquatch Tours &amp; Cultural Presentations. He has more than 30 years of drum-making experience and he has shared his knowledge of drum-making and singing with many different groups throughout BC and Washington State. Darren also has a workshop called Voice of the Drum in which students make their own drum and learn the teachings of the drum. Darren&rsquo;s drums have been displayed in the Canadian Pavilion at the Torino Olympics, and in numerous locations throughout Vancouver. One notable piece of Darren&#39;s is a 30&rdquo; drum displayed on a totem pole carved by Francis Horne for Vancouver Native Housing.

Drum-Making Workshop with Darren Charlie

Heritage Abbotsford Society cordially invites you to An Appetite to Preserve, a dinner for Abbotsford&#39;s heritage. Taking place at Chawla Indian Cuisine (second floor, 3600 Townline Road), we welcome you to an evening of good food, good company, and a shared passion for preserving our community&rsquo;s history. Enjoy a delicious meal with live music while learning more about the stories, objects, and places that help shape our community and make its history worth preserving. Take part for your opportunity to win in our exclusive prize draw and 50/50. Your support helps us care for collections, share local stories, and ensure that the history of our community can be enjoyed by generations to come. Come hungry for dinner, for stories, and for a little taste of history.

HERITAGE ABBOTSFORD SOCIETY

HERITAGE ABBOTSFORD SOCIETY

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Events

An Appetite to Preserve Fundraiser

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