We're thrilled to share that we will be hosting an Indigenous-led workshop series supported by the Audain Foundation, in partnership with the Cheakamus Foundation. This funding enables us to provide subsidized access to a year-long workshop series which is hosted by Create Makerspace Society and led by Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers from the Squamish Nation.

The series celebrates cultural and artistic traditions of the people whose land we live and create on, offering participants the rare opportunity to learn ancestral skills directly from the masters themselves. The workshops will be held throughout the coming year at Create Makerspace and include:

TOOL MAKING with Matthew Cole | January 2026

Over two sessions, participants will forge a custom blade in the metal shop and craft a matching wooden handle in the wood shop - a true cross-disciplinary experience, taught by Matthew Cole. We have a set of Matthew’s carving knives at Create that see lots of usage in programs such as Queer Old Souls. This is a unique opportunity to make your own, guided by the artist himself, and take home a meaningful and functional work of art.

12 wood carving knives in a box with an engraved plaque

Wood Relief Carving with Xwalacktun Harry | January 2026

Following the knife-making workshop, participants can put their new tool to use under the guidance of Xwalacktun Harry, a renowned master carver whose works can be found across British Columbia and internationally, including at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler. This workshop will be a deep dive into traditional wood relief carving, storytelling, and the spiritual connections within the practice.

Photo of Xwalacktun Harry with a intricate wooden door that he carved — Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) and one of his carved masterpieces

Sgraffito Pottery Bowl Carving with Stewart Jacobs | SPRING 2026

Acclaimed BC potter Stewart Jacobs will lead participants through the art of Sgraffito, a decorative pottery technique that involves carving intricate designs into clay surfaces. This workshop is a chance to explore clay as a storytelling medium, guided by one of the province’s most respected ceramic artists.

Stewart Jacobs and his beautiful ceramic work

Wool Headband Weaving with Tsawaysia SpUkwus | December 14, 2026

After a hugely popular first run, we’re delighted to welcome back Tsawaysia Spukwus, an incredible storyteller and knowledge keeper, to teach traditional wool headband weaving. Beyond learning the craft, participants will experience the warmth and wisdom of Tsawaysia’s stories, which bring context and life to every thread woven.

LEARN MORE & BOOK

Indigenous female instructor showing students how to weave. — Tsawaysia showing students weaving techniques at Create Makerspace

Paddle Carving with Art Harry | February 2026

A staple at Create Makerspace, paddle carving with Art Harry has become one of our favourite offerings. Over 8 sessions, participants are invited to shape their own cedar paddle while learning about the cultural significance and history behind this essential coastal tool.

Students show off their carved paddles during a workshop led by Art Harry at Create Makerspace

Connecting Through Craft and Culture

These workshops are more than just opportunities to build skills, they’re invitations to connect deeply with the land, the people, and the traditions that have shaped this region for generations. Participants will not only learn from revered artists but also share stories, build relationships, and gain a greater understanding of Indigenous art and culture.

We’re also excited to announce that part of this funding will support kids’ pottery programs and kids’ woodworking programs during Spring Break and Summer Holidays, making them more accessible while maintaining the high quality of instruction that families have come to expect from Create Makerspace.

5 teenagers sculpt clay in a pottery class, while learning from a female instructor. — A youth pottery class at Create Makerspace.

Thank You!

Lastly, we want to extend our sincere thanks once again to the Audain Foundation for supporting this important arts and culture programming in the Sea to Sky community. Their generosity helps us create space for learning, connection, and creativity that bridges cultures and generations.

Stay tuned for more workshop dates and registration details coming soon!

3 men pose with a carved wooden canoe paddle — Art Harry, Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford, and Oscar from Create Makerspace with a paddle carved by Art which was donated to the Squamish Food Bank.

Audain Foundation SupportS Indigenous-Led Workshop Series AT CREATE MAKERSPACE