"Two-Eyed Seeing refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing and from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing and to using both of these eyes together” (Bartlett, Marshall, & Marshall, 2012, p. 335).*

These workshops are a balanced collaboration with Nadine McSpadden, a First Nations co-instructor, to provide teachers and students with the opportunity to experience natural dyeing and weaving processes through two distinct knowledge systems. As a non-First Nation biologist, I can provide students with the opportunity to learn about ecology of local natural dyes and the chemistry of the dyeing processes. Yet science can only provide part of the picture. By partnering together, we can provide participants with the opportunity to decolonize their thinking, increase their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous perspectives. They can experience how responsible natural dyeing celebrates and centers the natural world.

Workshops can be tailored to different requirements including teacher training and classroom learning opportunities. We can adapt our program for partial days in a classroom or other setting, or multi-day opportunities which can include field and lab components such as nature walks/forays, hands-on natural dyeing and weaving small individual items (e.g., key chain, bookmark or other small item). Note: our approach to teaching weaving will focus on general universal techniques for the students that are not specific to any region.

Nadine McSpadden is a proud member of the Shuswap Band which is located near Radium, BC. The Shuswap Band is one of 17 Secwépemc communities located in the southern interior of BC.

Nadine has recently retired from teaching and has developed a keen interest in connecting her interest in the outdoors and dyeing with natural materials. The idea of foraging, dyeing with natural dyes and connecting this practice with Indigenous ways of knowing and being feels like a natural fit. It relates to Indigenous pedagogy such as land-based teaching, two-eyed seeing and the 5 r’s (respect, reciprocity, relationship, relevance and reverence). She looks forward to hosting workshops related to these topics.