Native plants that are used for weaving traditional native baskets are sometimes exposed to pesticides that are sprayed over forests and fields and along rural highways. Basket weavers are not always aware if toxic sprays were used near the native plants that will be gathered. Most of the native plants that are gathered are not growing in special native gardens but in the vast forests and other open spaces either public or private. Native Plants will grow near golf courses and along rural roads, and these are areas that are usually sprayed more frequently. Educating the weavers and gatherers is an ongoing process with the California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA). Basket weavers use their mouth as a third hand while weaving and even though the material may have been washed before using sometimes this is not sufficient and the chemicals may be harmful to the weaver. CIBA has worked with the Tribal Pesticide Program Council and the US Environmental Protection Agency on a pamphlet explaining the dangers of pesticides and other toxic sprays while gathering.

Pesticides and the impact on traditional basketry

242nd National Meeting (2011)

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