About Canada Weaves
Canada Weaves is a Canadian federal nonprofit. Our mission is to support and grow the continued practice of basket weaving and other plant-based craft in Canada by connecting people with the materials, knowledge, landscapes and communities that sustain it. Canada Weaves is entirely volunteer-run.
Canada Weaves has several key priorities for programming:
The bi-annual gathering is a national festival celebrating weaving, basketry and other plant-based crafts. It brings together makers, growers, teachers, artists, students and the simply craft-curious to learn, share skills, experience materials and build connections. Our first festival will be held September 2027 and will feature many international instructors as we build interest and our community. The community Festival Day will also feature local teachers. Over time we expect to shift to a more balanced split between international and Canadian teachers at our event. We will always prioritize the inclusion of Indigenous teachers from different traditions and communities. We hope to host the festival or different events in several provinces. Weavers from around the world are welcome to join Canada Weaves events.
Canadaweaves.com will expand to a digital community hub featuring makers, teachers and classes, local events and tool and material suppliers. Our goal is to create an online space where weavers and makers can access information and inspiration. We will launch a newsletter to share the best of the web site.
We also hope to run smaller in person and digital events between national festivals.
Our core values as of 2026 are:
Building a community across Canada
Supporting and promoting knowledge exchange of traditional and sustainable craft
Promoting and learning from Indigenous makers
Connection to the land and self-reliance
Supporting emerging makers