Michael Johnson (Umatilla) is a master of Umatilla Cornhusk False Embroidery. False embroidery is also known as cornhusk twining and used when making ceremonial hats for naming ceremonies, food gathering, and traditional dancing. Johnson who was a Master Artist with the Oregon Folklife Network’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program in 2012 was inspired by Tribal elders to be the weaving teacher he is today.
Bio
Michael Johnson, also known as Heyoom-Asa-Kii (Grizzly Claw), is a traditional weaver and enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUI). Born and reared in Umatilla County, Johnson employs a traditional style of cornhusk twining known as false embroidery, an increasingly rare technique that few still practice. CTUI weavers make traditional twined hats for naming ceremonies, food gatherings, and traditional dancing. Johnson’s grandmother, who gave classes at the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla culture camp, first taught him to twine. As he grew older, Johnson’s aunt further encouraged him in his craft; he even traveled to Idaho to study with several master weavers, including Effie Culpus (Warm Springs), Phyllis Shillal (Walla Walla), Rose Frank (Nez Perce), and Katherine Ramsey (Nez Perce). Since returning to Oregon, Johnson has participated in numerous cultural exchanges and taught weaving classes at Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University. The Oregon Tribal Celebration and the Columbia River Tribal Fish Commission have featured his work. Like his grandmother, Michael actively works to pass this rich tradition to those willing to learn. Johnson is a 2012 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program awardee with Oregon Folklife Network.
