Insights into Pomo and Wappo Basketry – Traditional Ecological Knowledge Webinar

Join Clint McKay, Pepperwood’s Indigenous Education Coordinator as he takes us on a journey exploring native Pomo and Wappo basketry. Clint will share the sustainable gathering practices and preparation techniques for the plants and materials used to create these special pieces. Clint will also reveal the importance of baskets to his culture and how baskets continue to support cultural continuity by sustaining connectivity with his ancestors.

Clint is the descendant of several important local culture bearers that include the late Laura Fish Somersal and the late Mabel McKay. He is a Native speaker of the Wappo language and he also speaks some Pomo and is himself a culture bearer with extensive Native historical knowledge, not only of Pepperwood but also of the entire region. McKay is a capable naturalist with a deep understanding of plant communities and traditional Wappo methods of nurturing them. He is a gifted basket weaver and has served as Chair of the California Indian Basket Weavers Association for two terms. McKay is also a traditional Wappo spiritual leader and he is the headman of a traditional dance group. McKay has a Master’s Degree in Indigenous Education.

This webinar will consist of a live multimedia presentation and include time for facilitated Q&A.