Read more: Finger Weaving | Hope Mountain Centre

Sash Finger Weaving - Join Hope Mountain Centre, guest instructor Eloi Homier and guest speaker Lisa Berry for a unique, skill-building workshop. Learn to finger weave, the foundation of one of Canada’s oldest multitools, the sash!

​​​​​​​​​

Come and weave with us! Guest instructor Eloi Homier will share his knowledge of French Canadian and Metis handicraft finger weaving. This artisan skill has mostly long been replaced by mechanical looms. The sash itself historically served many purposes worn for fashion, status, warmth, carrying heavy packs, rope to haul canoes, and, more importantly, a symbol of identity for French Canadians and Metis people.

After an introduction to Metis history from Lisa Berry, we will learn to weave together, and all participants will get to take home what they’ve created.

​

Price Includes:

• All materials provided included in cost of program

• Experienced Instruction and take-home project & info

• Light refreshments

Physical Demand: 

This is a seated handcraft activity with historical discussion.

Itinerary:

Saturday March 22, 2025

​​

• 12:45-1:00 PM -Greeting and Metis history from Ms. Lisa Berry

• 1:00-2:30 PM – Finger weaving workshop, led by Eloi Homie

​

Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly.

What to bring:

• All materials will be provided

Meet Your Guides

Eloi Homier, Guest Instructor

Eloi's path to fingerweaving for sash-making was seemingly inevitable. It connects deeply to his identity and cultural practice. Having spent the last two decades digging into a colourful range of disciplines that connect him with his ancestors – from voyageur canoe guiding to Métis jigging among other things – the “ceinture fléchée” (arrowhead sash) became a big part of his life, in equal parts from its origins in Québec and the coureurs de bois, as from its important symbolism in Métis culture.

Most sashes today are made on a mechanical loom, but Eloi had started to get interested in the traditionally made fingerwoven sashes when he met an artisan and asked them if he could commission a sash. Their answer? “You can't afford it.” This was the perfect catalyst to push Eloi to learn the technique so he could make his own. He never looked back and has since been commissioned to make several pieces, and to teach individuals and groups from Vancouver all the way to Saskatchewan.

  Lisa Berry, Guest Speaker

Tân'si, Lisa Berry nisihkâson. I spent my childhood growing up on Treaty 8 located in Alberta. Currently, I reside on Stò:lō Territory in Hope, British Columbia, where I am proudly associated with Métis Nation British Columbia. My Métis family names are Flett, Lizzotte, Carifelle and many more. My connection to the Métis Homeland of Red River is through my second great-grandmother, Julia (Mercredi) Lizotte, who received Halfbreed Land Script which was meant to extinguish Métis Indigenous title.

I began connecting with my culture through illustration in 2022. I started by creating colouring sheets, then a colouring book, and have since self-published three colouring books. My art predominantly features Indigenous women and Métis florals commonly seen in beadwork. In the same year I opened an Etsy shop. I sell Indigenous stickers, prints, shirts, pins and more. 

Throughout my art career I have had the privilege of working with clients like Métis Nation British Columbia, Fort McMurray Métis Nation, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Surrey School District. My artistic creations have been used to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Métis people.  My artwork has also been utilized to educate young students in Alberta classrooms, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the Métis culture.

In my life I have faced challenges that have made it difficult for me to embrace and celebrate my Indigenous heritage. Through my art, I am healing myself and leaving a legacy for my family. I hope that by sharing my story and art, I can inspire others to embrace their Indigenous roots.

  Meg Turner, Program Director

Program Director, Meg Turner, considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having recently completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you