Elsie is a member of the Ahousat Tribe, which is located about 12 miles Northwest of Tofino. Elsie has been weaving baskets for most of her life. She is one of the few weavers today who has the knowledge that was left to her by her mother. Her mother was also a renowned basket weaver. Her mother's name was Mary Little and was one of our Elders who was so knowledgeable about our Culture and History which she passed down to her daughter Elsie. Elsie has been taught well by her mother not only in the art of basket weaving but about life itself. Elsie has lived a good life and is a very good role model to our people. Her husband passed away and was a fisherman. Elsie moved to Nanaimo to give her children a good education and also to work. She worked in one of the restaurants as a cook for many years up until a few years ago when she retired. She has recently moved back to Ahousat and is still weaving baskets. Her son Russell is a Hereditary Chief of our Tribe and Elsie and her family keep our Culture alive. Russel had a potlatch in Port Alberni a few years ago and Elsie was a big part of making this event a success. She is fluent in the Nuu-chah-nulth language and takes a lot of time in looking after her granddaughter. Elsie is certainly one of our Elders and is considered to be a role model for our people. She is very happy to be back at home and is enjoying the West Coast like she did as a child.

Basket Weaver