From Kelly Church:
Emerald Ash Borer/ Black Ash Basketry Conference 2008
Since the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) in 2002, Michigan has lost over 20 million ash trees, and the numbers continue to rise. The entire lower peninsula of Michigan is under a “no ash movement” quarantine, and the EAB continues to spread and infect entire ash lots, eventually killing off once healthy, thriving ash trees.
For hundreds of years Native Americans of Michigan (Anishnabe) and Natives from all over the North Eastern United States have been using Black Ash trees for basketweaving. These baskets have been used for centuries for utilitarian purposes such as Market baskets, berry picking baskets, fishing creels, baby baskets, laundry baskets, and sewing baskets. Today they are still used in a variety of ways, and are also collectible baskets as pieces of art.
The EAB is threatening the livelihood of a centuries old Traditional Native Art form and we are working together to inform about EAB, learn what can be done to slow the spread, and ways we can preserve Black Ash Basketry for generations to come.
Please join us on May 16th, 2008 for an important meeting which will focus on EAB in the morning sessions, and Black Ash Basketry in the afternoon sessions.
There will be a Native Black Ash basketweavers Meeting held on May 15th, from 6pm-9pm for those weavers interested and able to attend. Please indicate your interest on your registration form, as well as your tribal affiliation, and black ash experience. Meeting details will be sent upon receipt of your registration form.
The Conference will be on May 16th, 2008, open to the first 200 people. This is open to the public and any and all who wish to come and learn and work with us.
May 17th, 2008 there will be a Black Ash basket market, held at the Monterey Township Hall in Hopkins, MI. This will be from 9am-4pm where you will be able to purchase baskets from the presenters at the Conference.
My name is Kelly Church. I am a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. I am a fifth generation Black Ash basketweaver. I live in Hopkins, MI, and have a beautiful daughter. I hope to teach my grandchildren how to weave with black ash one day. I hope you will be able to join me on May 16th, 2008 for this important gathering.
Turtle Talk 