Bessie Bill, left, with her mother Lucinda Bill at a recent Yakima Woman's Century Club basket weaving class.

Wahpeniat, or "one who makes good baskets," was the traditional Yakama name given to 12-year-old Bessie Bill at a Yakama Nation sacred longhouse ceremony.

Born to Johnny Jr. and Lucinda Bill, Bill was raised by her parents in a traditional Yakama environment. At the time of her naming ceremony, her family's heritage and traditions were not at the forefront of her mind. Like most kids her age, Bill was focused on things like sports and school.

It wasn't until after graduating high school and attending Central Washington University that Bill would begin exploring her family's traditions. In 1991, Bill was crowned Miss Yakama Nation. The title and her reign would reconnect her to her heritage and culture. It was also the start of her fully embracing the beauty and strength of being a Yakama woman.

Bill's upbringing in a traditional artistic environment came full circle as she immersed herself in learning traditional Yakama arts. Her mother is a recognized seamstress who has made countless ribbon dresses, moccasins and other clothing for use at various events and ceremonies. While her father was living, his beadwork and cedar bark baskets were well recognized by tribal members. Being surrounded by such an artistically talented family, it's no surprise that Bill's own artistic talents would soon flourish with her basket weaving.

It didn't take long for Bill's talent and love of nature to stand out in her beautifully woven wa'paas. In fact, they were soon noticed by members of the Yakama Nation, who now recognize her as a master weaver. Her skills are also well recognized by non-tribal members. Over the past several years her baskets have been displayed at various exhibits, including the Yakima Valley Museum, Yakama Nation Museum, Boxx Gallery, Yakima Valley Libraries, Heritage University, Pacific Northwest University, Central Washington State Fair and Central Washington University.

Bill's baskets are admired by all who have had the privilege to see them, although the display of her work isn't her main objective. Rather, her goal is to share her heritage while teaching others how to weave wa'paas. Her hope is those she teaches can in turn pass the knowledge on to future generations, helping to preserve Yakama traditional culture.

Bill has taught the art of weaving baskets to both tribal and non-tribal students in classes held at her home and elsewhere on the Yakama Reservation. She's also led classes at various businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the Yakima Valley and Pacific Northwest. She's even shared those weaving traditions on YouTube videos.

Weaving isn't the only traditional practice that Bill enjoys. She spends a significant amount of time with family members participating in traditional activities and dances. She enjoys spending time outdoors with family members digging for roots and gathering plants used by the Yakama people for generations.

Presently, Bill teaches monthly basket weaving classes at the Yakima Woman's Century Club, 304 N. Second St. The courses are open to the public and held the first Thursday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Kits are available for purchase at the class for $20.

At a recent weaving class, Bill shared some traditional roots and plants with students. Within some of her wa'paas were Sakowia (also called looksh), a traditional root, and xasia, a wild celery. She had ventured out earlier that day to gather the natural foods and brought them to her class to share and educate about their uses. It was a tasty traditional lesson that those attending were blessed to have experienced.

As for Bill's future plans? She will continue to share her natural talent for basket weaving, as well as help educate others about her traditional heritage. And for those who have had the opportunity of meeting Bill, or have taken one of her weaving classes, they have been blessed to learn about Yakama art, customs and food from a talented and patient teacher.