With support from the California Arts Council, the California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA) will continue to promote the practice and study of traditional California Indian basketry techniques and forms. CIBA does this by conducting regional workshops and an annual gathering that bring in master basketweavers to teach local community members the technique and history of basketry in California, as well to discuss issues and opportunities surrounding land access for gathering basketry materials.
We strongly believe that these events strengthen the bond within these communities and provide a level of healing, by honoring and engaging in these rich traditional cultural practices. Additionally, we have established and are nurturing the rapport with public agencies to have dialogue on, to advocate for, and to understand the existing regulations regarding ancestral land access, pesticide use and traditional cultural burning.