Weaving Class Has Begun!

A nice-sized group of women and children gathered for the Fall Navajo Weaving Class this past Saturday. Many have grandmothers and mothers who weave and are now interested in taking the class as a way to continue this cultural tradition for themselves and their children. Jolyana Bistuie and Freddie Johnson discussed the many facets of Dine weaving and the cultural meaning/traditions behind the loom and the instruments used in weaving. As a class, we will learn the basic do's and don'ts involved in Dine weaving. Everyone is encouraged to bring items from home that they would like to share with the rest of the class including handouts, books, or rugs they have at home.

The class was encouraged to assemble their own looms or to purchase a loom through Jolyana or Freddie. There will be looms built by Freddie for future classes to use such as the one pictured here.


We also will have cultural consultants/weaving specialists bring in their items for sale for the class. While some participants have their own instruments/looms, others will have an opportunity to purchase needed items in class or through the program. Mary Walker from Weaving in Beauty brought battens and combs for sale and intends to come to future classes. You can also see the link to Weaving in Beauty in the blog sidebar if you would like more information about this group of women who is bringing weaving back to life.

Jolyana shared a beautiful rug woven by her grandmother as a wedding gift. Freddie also shared about the weaving done by his mother and her specialty in weaving "biil" (rug) dresses for family members and others.



This will be an exciting journey for many of us and we hope to show our progress week by week. In the next class we intend to add the warp to each of our looms. We will have more pictures to show you as the class and learning unfolds!

Diné Language Fall 2009 Classes!

Hurry and register today! Classes start August 22nd.

Children’s Diné Language Classes

Mesa Public School, Saguaro Room #209 (2^nd Floor): Starts: August 24^th, 2009

Monday nights: 6:00 to 7:00pm – Instructor Freddie Johnson

Learn about Diné language from a traditional perspective using the Diné way of teachings. Open to all ages, families welcomed. This will be a Beginning Navajo class, classes will involve activities, games, and storytelling. FREE!

Diné Culture Classes

Phoenix Indian Center, Starts August 26^th, 2009

Every Wednesday night 6:00-7:30pm - Instructor; Freddie Johnson

Learn about self identity using the Diné Clan Philosophy through Diné Oral Traditions. Lots of Storytelling through videos and literature. Great for all ages. FREE!

Beginning Navajo II

Phoenix Indian Center, Starts August 22^nd, 2009

Every Saturday 9:00am – 11:00am – Instructor Jolyana Bitsuie

This is a continuing class of Beginning Navajo I from the Summer session. New students are welcomed to join. Materials fee - $25.00

NEW CLASS!! Introduction to Navajo Weaving

Phoenix Indian Center, Starts August 22^nd, 2009

Every Saturday, 11:30am to 1:30pm: Instructor; Jolyana Bitsuie

Learn how to weave by setting up your own loom. Stories will be shared about the importance of weaving and how it plays a role in Diné society. Students are required to pay a materials fee of $35.00, there will be additional tools that the student will be responsible for acquiring such as the weaving comb, the batten and a loom. LIMITED TO THE FIRST 15 STUDENTS WHO PAY THEIR MATERIALS FEE.

Classes are not for credit.

Non Navajos wishing to take these classes may do so for a fee of $150. Classes are free to Navajo families in the greater Maricopa County. Non-Navajo inlaws to Diné families are welcomed.

LOCATION OF CLASSES:

MESA PUBLIC SCHOOL, Student Services Building, Saguaro Room #209 (2^nd Floor), 1025 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ 85021

PHOENIX INDIAN CENTER, GED Classroom, 2nd floor, 4520 N. Central Ave., Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85012

All classes will teach the proper Diné Introduction.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT; FREDDIE JOHNSON AT (602) 264-6768 EXT.2305 Fax (602 )274-7486

Email fjohnson@phxindcenter.org website: www.phxindcenter.org