Weaving Tradition, Connection, & Community
A recap of the Native Basketry & Traditional Ways of Knowing Workshop with Ursula Min-ne-ah Jones
This past May, Balanced Rock had the privilege of welcoming traditional basket weaver and teacher Ursula Min-ne-ah Jones for Native Basketry & Traditional Ways of Knowing, a free two-day community workshop celebrating the artistry, wisdom, and living traditions of Indigenous basketry.
Born and raised in Yosemite Valley, Ursula carries deep roots in Yosemite Ahwahneechee, Mono Lake Paiute, Coast Miwok, and Kashia Pomo traditions. She comes from five generations of women basket weavers, including her grandmother, renowned basket weaver Julia Parker.
Through her teaching, Ursula continues this living lineage, generously sharing not only the techniques of her craft, but the stories, values, and relationships woven into it.
Over the course of two days, participants explored the art of basket weaving through hands-on instruction, working with natural materials to create baskets of their own. What began as an introduction to technique became an opportunity to practice patience, creativity, and connection.
As each basket took shape, so did a deeper appreciation for the process: learning to work with the materials rather than against them, embracing the occasional need to unravel and begin again, and discovering how individual strands come together to create something both beautiful and strong.
Throughout the workshop, Ursula shared teachings that extended beyond the practice of basketry itself—honoring the land, respecting the materials we use, and recognizing the importance of cultural knowledge carried across generations. Stories, laughter, and shared discovery made the experience as much about community as it was about craft.
The gathering concluded with a collective basket dance led by Ursula—accompanied by song, honoring the work, the materials, and the traditions that continue to give this art form life.
We are deeply grateful to Ursula for sharing her knowledge and to everyone who joined us in celebrating these living traditions!
This workshop, along with all of Balanced Rock’s Art, Nature & Wellness programs offered throughout 2025–2026, was made possible through a generous grant from Parks California. While we won't have the opportunity to renew this funding for 2027, we're deeply grateful for the experiences and connections it helped bring to our community. Read on to discover how you can help us continue offering free, enriching programs like these in the years ahead.
Help Keep Community Experiences Like This Abundant & Accessible
At Balanced Rock, we believe opportunities for creativity, cultural learning, and meaningful connection out in nature should be accessible to everyone.
Community-serving programs like Native Basketry & Traditional Ways of Knowing, and the other incredible programs offered as a part of this past year’s Art, Nature & Wellness in the Sierra Foothills program, create space for experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. Free community programming brings people together to learn from local wisdom-keepers, connect with the cultural heritage of this region, and deepen their relationships with one another and the natural world.
But making these experiences free for participants doesn't mean they're free to provide. Behind every workshop is an investment in skilled instructors, materials, coordination, and the many details that make a meaningful community experience possible.
If this workshop resonated with you, or if you believe in the value of keeping opportunities like this available to our community, we invite you to help make future programs possible.
Consider making a gift to Balanced Rock and designating your donation toward funding free community programs, or sharing our work with friends, family, and others who believe in the power of accessible cultural and educational experiences.
Every contribution helps us build a future where more people can gather, learn, create, and connect. Thank you for helping us keep these opportunities alive and accessible.
MEET URSULA
Ursula Min-ne-ah Jones is a traditional basket weaver and teacher born and raised in Yosemite Valley, with roots in Yosemite Ahwahneechee, Mono Lake Paiute, Coast Miwok and Kashia Pomo traditions.
She comes from a living lineage of basket weavers spanning five generations of women in her family, including her grandmother Julia Parker, and now her own role as a grandmother. Family is central to Ursula’s life and work, and her teaching reflects a collective, relational way of being—where stories, laughter, care, and skill are woven together.
A skilled and intuitive weaver, she teaches with generosity and humor, making basketry accessible while honoring its cultural depth and integrity. Active in Native Wellbriety communities, Ursula brings a values-based, life-affirming perspective to all she does. She led Native Basketry & Traditional Ways of Knowing back in May 2026, and served as a cultural advisor throughout the Art, Nature & Wellness program.
All photos provided by Emma Constable.