Tsm'syen weaving is a tradition of connection between the weaver and the forest with a reciprocal respect: the basket expresses the spirit of the weaver and the weaver honors the life of the tree with prayers of thanks and the promise of a beautiful basket offered before the pulling of bark off of the tree. The inner bark is separated from the outer while in the forest, and then prepared for the basket envisioned. Redcedar inner bark is cut into strips to the length measured in the basket start, also measured and cut. The inner bark strips are sprayed with water to make it nimble and then woven into shapes and forms based on traditions of thousands of years. Some other natural materials may be added for texture, or support of form, or other aesthetics depending on the intent of the weaver. The purpose of baskets are for gathering, carrying or storing clams, berries, seaweed and other treasures, and carrying traditions into the present with materials gathered and prepared by the weaver