‘Lunchbox Cedar Basket

Lunchbox or suitcase style cedar basket with detachable lid made from cedar roots and cherry bark. by weaver Jeannie (nee Pielle) Dominick (1888-1981).

Basket makers in the Tla’amin Nation traditionally used a slat-and-coil method for their baskets. In addition to cedar, spruce and cherry bark were traditionally used in the construction and design of the baskets.

The process from beginning to a finished basket is a long one, taking nearly a year. Each basket maker has their own unique style of weaving and design, which can be used to identify the basket maker. 

This piece was part of a collection of First Nations baskets and cultural items that were gifted to the Tla’amin Nation by Homalco First Nations elder Rita Pimlott, who comes from the Timothy and Pielle families of Klahoose. Rita has collected or was gifted these items throughout her life. The Powell River Historical Museum and Archives currently hosts these items in trust for the Tla’amin Nation. 

A significant portion of the baskets given, including this lunchbox style basket, were originally made by Mrs. Jeannie “Cheeneh” Dominick, née Pielle. Originally born in Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island, Cheeneh eventually moved to Tla’amin. A natural born leader, Cheeneh went on to become a highly respected elder within the community and beyond.