Press Release 2006.09.07

Renowned Salish linguist and storyteller hopes her gift will encourage hands-on learning across cultures and over generations

(Bainbridge Island, WA) — Admired Upper Skagit elder and First Peoples linguist, Vi Hilbert, is making a major gift of her collection of native basketry to IslandWood, an outdoor learning center on Bainbridge Island.

“I want the baskets to be seen, to be used, to be talked to. They’re a teaching tool,” said Hilbert, a founding advisor to IslandWood, who has asked that these storied baskets be used for hands-on instruction. “You can’t learn without touching things. They need to be picked up so people can honor the work and the feeling that went into making them.”

The occasion of the gift will be marked by a special ceremony and storytelling event for a limited audience of personal friends and associates at IslandWood on Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Native storyteller, Johnny Moses, will share stories and memories inspired by the baskets. A video story featuring the event and the baskets is slated to air on the Seattle Public Television program KCTS Connects the following Thursday, September 21, 2006.

The collection of fifteen artifacts include baskets, hats, and mats woven from a variety of natural materials including cedar bark, cedar root, spruce root, bear grass, maidenhead fern, red bud, and horse hair. The work of many Northwest tribes is represented including Skagit, Klikitat,Yakima, Okanagon, Suquammish, Tulalip, Skokomish, Quinalt, Nisqually, and Tlingit. Some of the older articles are estimated to date back to 1880. “Baskets like these aren’t being made any more” said Hilbert.

”We are deeply honored,” said IslandWood executive Director, Ben Klasky. “We believe this wonderful gift will create some extraordinary educational opportunities that extend our commitment to hands-on, experiential education.”

Klasky said the basket collection will soon be on display for people visiting the Bainbridge Island outdoor education center. And IslandWood educators are planning to incorporate the baskets in their unique curriculum for thousands of Puget Sound area fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who visit IslandWood for week-long overnight environmental education throughout the school year.

“IslandWood's commitment to the natural and cultural environment is enhanced by authentic materials,” said IslandWood Education Director, Pat O’Rourke. “Our whole approach is hands-on. These baskets have rich stories to tell about people and their connection to the land. We hope they will inspire children to explore their own stories.”

Tribal elder, Vi Hilbert has long been a friend of IslandWood. A twenty foot tall, red cedar House Post on stage in the outdoor center’s Great Hall was originally carved by native artists in Hilbert’s image. The spirit of the House Post welcomes children of all ages symbolizing the important role of grandmothers in the native community.

Hilbert, a member of the Upper Skagit tribe, has worked throughout her life as a steward of the Lushootseed (Puget Salish) language, culture, and traditions. She has co-written Lushootseed grammars and dictionaries, and published books of stories, teachings, and place names, and she has taught about the language and culture at the University of Washington. In 1989, Hilbert was named a Washington State Living Treasure. She received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts, presented by President Bill Clinton, in 1994.

Click here for additional background about Vi Hilbert.

About IslandWood
Located on Bainbridge Island, WA, IslandWood is a unique 255-acre outdoor learning center designed to provide exceptional learning experiences and inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship. Through its flagship School Overnight Program, IslandWood’s educators combine scientific inquiry, technology and the arts to help Puget Sound-area students understand cultural and biological diversity. IslandWood also offers community programs for adults, children and families; volunteer opportunities; and other community events open to the public. For more information, visit www.islandwood.org.