Ksanka Culture Camp: Teaching the old ways
Wayne McCoy was cutting wet, ultra-thin hide so children and adults could make small versions of traditional Kootenai canoes.
McCoy was one of several instructors forming Vernon Finley’s “crew” for Ksanka Culture Camp, held July 15-17 in Elmo. On Wednesday morning before the Standing Arrow Powwow, participants were completing projects and making smaller items.
Lillian Rose of Canada led participants in basket making. “She gathered cedar roots, cedar, pine needles, and different grasses,” said Finley, chair of the Kootenai Culture Committee. “She did twining and then the baskets themselves.”