hweemiyu’ - Cheryl Joe is a master Salish Weaver from Duncan BC in the heart of Coast Salish territory. Walking into her home is a textile artist’s paradise. In every corner Cheryl has raw materials available at her fingertips ready to feed her creativity wherever it leads. There is raw wool roving’s ready to be spun on her Cowichan spinning wheel from her Grandmother. There are cedar strips that she has harvested herself, ready to be woven into a hat. A cabinet of beads waiting patiently to be used when inspiration moves through hweemiyu’ and spun yarn sitting beside multiple looms ready to be woven.

You will hear all about the philosophy that was passed down to Cheryl from her auntie and grandmother about getting into a place of calm before creating. Since Cheryl is perpetually creating, being in her presence feels so peaceful. After leaving I felt energized and inspired by her philosophy of just doing, her hands seem to be always be in that zone of creating. But the way that I was energized being in Cheryl’s presence was that to create you don’t have to be charged with an energy of excitement but instead her calming influence and her calm melodic voice created a peace and made me feel that peacefulness was going to be my path to creativity in the future. I hope you can feel hweemiyu’s wonderful calming energy even through the computer.

In Weave Your Story Cheryl tells stories and gives tips on Salish Weaving. Join Weave Your Story to learn about Coast Salish Weaving and to learn about yourself.