The White River Valley Museum celebrates the traditions of the Northwest Coast Salish people with a series of events and the exhibit “SQ3Tsya’yay: Weaver’s Spirit Power” that opens today and runs until Nov. 9, courtesy of guest curator and master weaver Susan (sa’hLa mitSa) Pavel.

Pronounced cutse-ya-ya, SQ3Tsya’yay means weaver’s spirit power. The exhibit exclusively features historical and contemporary Coast Salish fiber weavings, including antique mountain goat wool blankets and modern weavings made of domestic sheep’s wool.

Indigenous Northwest Coast art in the state historically has been overshadowed by the painted wooden art forms of Southeast Alaska and Northwestern Canada. “Weaver’s Spirit Power” focuses on the Southern Coastal region, specifically Southwestern Washington up to the southern tip of Vancouver Island, B.C., a region where the woven arts predominate.

Weaving lineup

Unless otherwise noted, events are free with regular museum admission of $2 adults, $1 children and seniors.

• Sept. 20: weaving demonstrations, noon-4 p.m. Local weavers demonstrate both the twill and twine techniques of Coast Salish weaving.

• Oct. 11: film, lecture with Susan Pavel, 1-3 p.m. A 20-minute film highlights the weaving process from gathering plant material to weaving, followed by a lecture that covers the historical significance, revitalization efforts and future of Coast Salish Weaving. Questions from the audience encouraged.

• Nov. 1: Salish weaving family day, noon-4 p.m. A hands-on adventure for the entire family. Identify raw weaving materials, weave on a Coast Salish loom, create a greeting card for friends and family, and pose for the camera in an authentic Coast Salish woven blanket.

The White River Valley Museum, located at 918 H St. S.E. in Auburn, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Regular hours are noon-4 p.m. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for information.