A seventh-generation Kalapuya basket weaver drew a standing-room-only crowd Saturday, March 21, at the Salem Public Library, where she spoke about Indigenous basketry, cultural traditions, and ecological knowledge in western Oregon. Stephanie Craig, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes o f Grand Ronde, continues a long family tradition of weaving that is publicly honored at Spirit Mountain Casino. There, a statue depicts her third great-grandmother, Martha Sands, beading a basket—symbolizing generations of knowledge passed down through her family. Stephanie Craig explains the use of her stirring stick that can be used to stir food in a waterproof cooking basket at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) Craig’s heritage includes Santiam and Yoncalla Kalapuya, Takelma Rogue River, Cow Creek Umpqua, Clackamas and Upper Chinook, Mohawk, and Métis ancestry. Her traditional name, which translates to Old Soul Young Eyes, reflects her role as both a knowledge keeper and cultural educator. During her talk, Craig described the lasting impacts of 19th century displacement. In 1856, members of her family were forcibly removed from their homelands in Cow Creek and marched to the Grand Ronde Reservation amid the Oregon Indian Wars. Her fourth great-grandmother died during that journey. Craig also highlighted her family’s efforts to preserve cultural knowledge. Her great-grandfather, John Moses Hudson, contributed to the survival of the Chinook and Clackamas languages. Craig carries that legacy forward through both her weaving and academic work, holding a master’s degree focused on anthropology, regional archaeology, folklore, and museum studies. Stephanie Craig shows a medallion she was given by her mentor. She presented at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) She is the founder of Kalapuya Weaving and Consulting and co-executive director of Rooted Ways: An Indigenous Cultural and Ecological Initiative, organizations dedicated to restoring Indigenous lifeways and land stewardship practices. Craig emphasized that basketry is not only an art form, but also a reflection of environmental knowledge. Traditional materials include hazel and willow, with specific species and harvesting methods developed over generations. She explained that Indigenous communities historically used controlled burns and plant management techniques to produce strong, straight fibers suitable for weaving. Cedar, hazel, and nettle are also used for cordage. A traditional hat woven by Stephanie Craig on display at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) She noted that many Native weavers were once pressured to adopt European-style designs to appeal to settler markets, producing items such as laundry baskets. Craig said she now focuses exclusively on traditional tribal designs, preserving their cultural significance. Throughout her presentation, Craig spoke about the responsibility of carrying ancestral knowledge. She described her work as guided by humility and a commitment to ensuring that the traditions of her people endure. Stephanie Craig discusses her work in a video by Oregon Folklife. Stephanie Craig shows a grey pine cone that was used for decoration on baskets by the tribes in southern Oregon at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) Traditional materials such as dogsbane and rush used for basket weaving on display at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) Men did not weave baskets, but they did make fishing nets. Stephanie Craig shows netting needles that were used to weave nets at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) A camas digging stick is shown by Stephanie Craig at Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) Stephanie Craig explains the use of a carrying basket and tumpline to help carry it at the Salem Public Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The tumpline would attach at both ends to the basket and was used to carry the basket by placing the strap over the top of the head. (LAURA TESLER for Salem Reporter) STORY TIP OR IDEA? Send an email to Salem Reporter’s news team: [email protected]. Make Salem Reporter your trusted source for accurate, independent local news – every day. Stay informed and connected to your community. Subscribe today. The post Kalapuya weaver demonstrates traditional basketry in Salem talk appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less