Book Signing – Weaving: Baskets and Stories by Julie Edwards

Join A Book for All Seasons and the Greater Leavenworth Museum in welcoming local author and basket weaver, Julie Edwards for a book signing of her book, Weaving: Baskets and Stories at A Book for All Seasons.

In her book, baskets that she designed and wove are highlighted, as well as the stories that go alongside each basket. In 2021, the Greater Leavenworth Museum added a Story Basket exhibit featuring many of the baskets highlighted in her book. Traditionally, the baskets were made of native plants such as bear grass and Indian hemp and used for collecting and storing roots. Julie makes modern versions out of yarn and polished hemp. Stories that were passed down orally by families with traditional gathering baskets were woven with designs to help the storytelling process. Her book will be available for purchase at the event, and proceeds will help fund the expansion and update of the p’squosa exhibit at the Greater Leavenworth Museum.

Author bio

Julie Edwards is a basket weaver from Keller, WA, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, and a descendant of the p’squosa (Wenatchi), Nez Perce and Yakama people. Julie grew up in the Toppenish area of the Yakama Indian Reservation with her grandmother, Lucy Pe-el Saluskin, who encouraged her to learn the culture and traditional ways of her family. Julie learned how to make twined sally bags while helping with a Youth Warriors Camp at the Nespelem Community Center in 2016. While observing and helping Craig Phillips, Bernadine Phillips, and Vera Best (All master weavers), she learned how to make the twined sally bags. She has continued twining, and began teaching other students, young and old. Julie was honored with being named the “Cultural Role Model” for 2016 by the Colville Confederated Tribes.

Julie says, “By practicing, sharing our culture and teaching our artistry to others I feel that I ensure the immortality of our traditions and culture. It’s important for everyone to understand that our culture and art has retained its value and utility though out the centuries. Our belief systems and art are still viable and have healing properties that can no longer be overlooked.”

Julie served our country in the United States Marine Corps. She also served as a Natural Resource Enforcement Officer and a Colville Tribal Police Officer. She is now a language apprentice for the Colville Tribes. Julie continues to teach both basketry and cultural sensitivity.