Learn about the gifting traditions of the local tribes and how to make your very own cedar rose in a special Native American Arts Workshop to be offered at Peninsula College’s Forks Extension Site on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

The free workshop will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. and will be taught by Jennifer James, a member of the Makah Tribe and a Peninsula College student.

James will show workshop participants the art of creating roses from cedar bark according to native traditions and discuss the cultural significance of the rose.

All materials will be provided.

The roses that are created will be used in the Brick Johnson Totem Pole Rededication Ceremony on the main campus April 29, 2014.

The cedar rose was first made on the Olympic Peninsula more than 15 years ago and is considered to be a one-of-a-kind piece, each one as unique as the individual who receives it. The rose traditionally is given to people at weddings, parties, potlatches, birthdays, graduations, ribbon-cutting ceremonies and memorials.

James is working toward her AA degree at Peninsula College’s Forks Extension site and is enrolled in the Bridge Program, which is designed to serve students who are deeply connected with their tribal communities.

The cedar rose workshop is sponsored by the Peninsula College Longhouse and Shades of Color Club.

For more information on the cedar rose workshop, contact Deborah Scannell at DScannell@pencol.edu.