Learn to weave a rib basket using willow and foraged natural materials.
Basket Workshop
September 23-24, 2026
Learn to weave a rib basket using willow and foraged natural materials.
Basket Workshop
September 23-24, 2026
Facilitated by Johnny Suderman, basket maker and willow grower from Lakeshore Willows
We are excited to invite you to our opening workshop to LIFE as Medicine’s Me as Tree: We as Forest Eco Arts Healing Retreat.
In the spirit of Reconcili.Action, the event was created to fundraise the ongoing work of LIFE as Medicine and ensure access to future offerings for those who would otherwise not be able to participate.
Workshop Includes:
- All meals and snacks
- Access to canoe and trails
- Accommodations (dorm-style cabins)
The Basic Info
September 23-24, 2026
10am to 5pm each day
$444
Location: Camp Kidston, 7429 Mooseland Rd, Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia
Driving Directions to Camp Kidston
- Open to 10 participants
- All genders, families, people of all ages and stages of life are welcome here; however the beginning of the basket (creating the frame) will require moderate hand strength. Further, preparing foraged material requires the use of a sharp knife. Participating in foraging materials (Day 2) as well as weaving the prepared material in the basket will offer a great opportunity for exploration and learning opportunities for children. Note there will be Childcare support available during the workshop.
Workshop Tuition Includes:
- Meals and snacks
- On site accommodations- note accommodations are dorm-style, bunk beds in cabins. Please bring your own bedding.
- Access to site amenities including use of canoes, lake, trails.
Potential Partial and Full Scholarships may be available. Please reach out to Kathy.
Potential funding support available
- Reach out to your Band to support your travel and tuition
- Professional development
Workshop Overview
In this course you will learn about rib baskets, lashing (which secures the ribs) and weaving with foraged materials to fill the basket.
Day 1: Creating the frame with harvested Willow, preparing ribs and lashing/weaving to secure ribs to frame.
Day 2: Foraging Materials, Preparing materials for weaving and filling in basket.
If you have the following basketry tools feel free to bring them, otherwise tools are available to borrow during the class.
- Awl (½″ thick for a main awl, or ¼″ for smaller work)
- Sharp pruners
- Sharp knife (i.e. an opinel or mora)
About the Facilitators
Johnny Suderman
Descendant of English and German Mennonite ancestors, he currently resides in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario, along the shore of the O:se Kenhionhata:tie/Willow River/Grand River.
Since 2018, he has been exploring this heritage craft, spreading his love for basketry and passionately growing willow in Southern Ontario. He strives to make basketry accessible by teaching classes, selling basketry willow, and basketry cuttings through Lakeshore Willows. He’s been operating Lakeshore Willows since 2023, a company started by his teacher and mentor, Lene Rasmussen.
Julie Rochefort
Julie is of French-Canadian and Irish ancestry. She recently relocated to Brantford, Ontario, after living for 13 years on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe in Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island).
Julie began working with LIFE as Medicine in 2021, assisting with the editing of GrandMother Fyre’s manuscript, All Healing Heals All, the first chapbook of which has since been published. She continues to support LIFE as Medicine through social media outreach and communications.
Accessibility Disclaimer
Weaving willow can be quite hard on the hands and wrists. If you have pre-existing problems with your hands/wrists/arms/back, this class could prove challenging to you. Most baskets require moderate hand strength to to weave. It is frequent that people mention having sore hands afterwards, and that people end up with a blister here or there (or here AND there!). If you have concerns, but you’re still keen, feel free to reach out via email.
Accommodation
All accommodation and meals are included in the registration fee.
Dorm-style, bunk beds in cabins. You must provide your own bedding.
Please share this page with others.