This Tlingit artist has taught 2,000 people to make bentwood boxes. She plans to keep going

Joanne Williams estimates she's taught 2,000 people how to make bentwood boxes.

"I actually feel pretty complete, but I'm still going ahead to teach more," said Williams, a Tlingit artist, elder and bentwood knowledge-holder from Atlin, B.C.

Bentwood boxes are watertight containers invented by coastal First Nations people. They're made by steaming a plank of wood, bending it into a square and fitting it with a lid and base.

Williams was taught to make bentwood boxes as a child by her grandmother, elder Elizabeth Nyman, and has now taught bentwood box-making herself all over the west coast, including Haida Gwaii and Mount Currie. She also hosts weekly culture craft nights for Atlinites with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation.

Williams says she's inspired to keep teaching by her grandmother, who asked her to pass the knowledge on to other people.

"You're actually not supposed to hold secrets back when you're 60 years old, you're supposed to give everything away," Williams said.

Bentwood boxes were traditionally used for all purposes, from carrying household items to storing important regalia.

"It would have kept all their food and regalia dry," explained Maurice Ouimette, Williams' husband and business partner. "They're the only peoples in the world that developed this technology."

The duo is now planning to launch a new home-based business this fall, selling bentwood box-making kits. They're going to mill the wood themselves to make the kits. They'll also sell supplies for beading, sewing and medicine bags. 

The duo says this business is not a money-making venture. Most of the profits will be donated. 

"We're trying to reach as many people in the world as possible," Ouimette said.

Williams hopes teachers will use the kits to share with young people – but she says anyone can buy them and become teachers themselves.

"We would like the knowledge to be shared in almost every classroom," she said. "And I can come in on Zoom and help teach the class."