News Release

Klahowya Youth Volunteer Program

News Release Date: February 3, 2022

Contact: Izzy Sanchez, [phone]

Susan Rhoads has worked as a seasonal ranger since 2007 and has given talks and programs at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park about Clatsop and Chinook culture, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and plants and animals of the Lower Columbia River region. Susan is passionate about sharing skills she was given permission to show. She is trained in living history and cultural skills and offers a free basket weaving class at the park for youth Monday, Feb. 21.

The session is 10-2 p.m. and held indoors and out at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center. Masks are required indoors, and social distancing will be practiced. The class is open to high school and high school aged youth who join the park’s Klahowya Youth Volunteer Program. In return for the free session, participants are asked to contribute four hours of demonstration time at Fort Clatsop during the summer visitor season. Four more sessions are planned March 21, April 16, May 7, and May 21.

Ranger Susan has experience working with Western redcedar and weaving. Susan’s interest in weaving started in instructional books about weaving. She has most recently taken a class in Astoria, Oregon led by Stephanie Craig who is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde who has an array of cultural knowledge. Susan’s exciting accomplishment from the experience was successfully completing her basket and teaching other rangers.
 

During the workshop, which is limited to 10 participants and requires pre-registration, students will learn basic weaving techniques and make a basket to take home and use later in Fort demonstrations. Dress in layers and please bring a sack lunch. Snacks will be provided by the park education partner, the Lewis & Clark National Park Association.

For more information contact Ranger Izzy Sanchez at [phone] or email at [e-mail]