From Valley and beyond, Tribal crafters are new store’s focus

Published 9:24 am Thursday, October 2, 2008

A new business venture by the Snoqualmie Tribe showcases artworks and crafts made by tribal members from the Valley and beyond.

Paddle Tribal Store opened last Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 8130 Railroad Avenue in downtown Snoqualmie. A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held Saturday, Dec. 8.

The store features native-produced tribal items, from decorative art to games and music, as well as Pendleton wool products, including purses.

“There’s talent out there,” said Nina Repin, a Snoqualmie tribal council member and dedicated craftswoman.

Repin leads a crafting class weekly at the Snoqualmie Tribe administrative building.

“I taught my gang how to do these wonderful bulbs,” Repin said, picking out the colorful, silvery Christmas ornaments for sale at Paddle. “Isn’t that beautiful? They’re all so individual.”

“I’m very proud of my people,” Repin said. “Everybody has their own niche of things to do.”

Crafting, she said, brings families together and builds connections within the tribe.

“It keeps you busy,” said Repin, who offers crafts of her own at the store, laser wood burnings.

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