LCPD hosts Willow Class series including traditional willow board making
Marietta Cortez instructs participants at the LCPD Willow Class at LCPD on February 14.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Language & Culture Preservation Department (LCPD) Willow Classes are February 14 and February 21 at the LCPD Building, welcoming community members for two full days of cultural instruction from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tribal member Kaycee Dixey shapes a willow cradle board frame.
The classes centered on constructing a traditional Baby Willow Board, beginning with the preparation of collected willow branches. Participants gathered their own materials in advance, including pencil-width willows and two larger branches for the frame. Bundles were secured to keep the branches straight prior to use.
Under the instruction of Marietta Cortez, attendees shaved bark from the willow branches using knives and clippers, revealing the smooth, light wood beneath. The first session focused on scraping and preparing the willows, followed by shaping and securing the curved frame using wire, string, and electrical tape.
A participant shaves down a willow branch.
Tables were arranged with bundled branches, tools, and partially assembled frames as participants measured, bent, and fastened each piece into place. Wood shavings collected in containers beside each workstation as the structural frames began to take form. In addition to the hands-on instruction, refreshments were made available for participants throughout the day. A table inside the building held trays of sandwich halves layered with sliced meat, cheese, and lettuce, along with packaged snack items including donuts, crackers, and yogurt. The food area provided a space for attendees to take breaks between sessions and continue visiting with one another while working on their projects.
Dillin Diggie splits willows apart at the LCPD class.
By the end of the sessions, participants had completed the foundational frames of their Baby Willow Boards, reflecting the step-by-step process taught during the classes.
For more information about future classes and cultural programming, community members may contact the Language & Culture Preservation Department at 208-236-1187.
A willow cradle board frame at the LCPD Willow Class.
