HAISLA WEAVER

Angelina Bowen lives with her family in Chilliwack, British Columbia. She is first nations from the Kitamaat Reserve [Haisla Nation- B.C.'s Northwest Coast; Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka)]. She is a member of the Chilliwack Visual Arts Association. Angie descends from the Robinson family, on her birthmother's side. Angelina's grandmother is Lydia Robinson; and her biological great grandmother and grandfather were Elsie and Sampson Robinson.

Angelina is honoured to say that her children, and herself, are from the Eagle Clan. Angelina grew up in the foster care system. She ensured that she continually focused on her goal of becoming a police officer. By concentrating on one obstacle at a time she was able to overcome the harmful lifestyle she was raised in, and successfully surpassed her goal. Angelina believes that what you think about, you bring about… so focus on the positive and overcome the negative.

Angelina was able to discover a part of herself that was lost growing up, through first nations weaving. She is very passionate about weaving her hand painted cedar hats. Angelina enjoys using thin strips of cedar as is shows the quality of her artisanship. Every steps of weaving is important, including respectfully harvesting the cedar bark. Angelina has lived in the Sto:lo Territory her entire life, and believes that her skill of weaving doesn’t belong to her. "It's to be shared and passed on."

Angelina started weaving to have balance back in her life. And also to do something for herself. She needed peace. Angelina takes pride in the weavings she completes. Weaving, like many other first nation's art, needs to continue by aboriginal people. Angelina plans to do her part by developing and embracing her skills, and passing it on as it has been past to her. You never stop learning.