Gila River Indian Community

The Gila River Indian Community’s Huhugam Heritage Center will document the tradition of basket weaving through video recording and oral history interviews with tribal members and their families. The knowledge of basket weaving has declined over the past 50 years and there are few weavers left with the proper expertise in this tradition. This project will compile the materials, processes, and techniques associated with basketry into a guide that will increase accessibility to this traditional craft to researchers and community members. The videos and the guide enhance the ability to teach this custom and will inform the tribe’s future education, collection, and outreach programs.