This lesson introduces students to the deep cultural and historical significance of basket weaving among California Tribes. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students will gain a holistic understanding of how basketry has functioned not only as a practical craft but also as a vital expression of identity and resistance. California Tribes still use baskets for ceremonies, cooking, storage, and carrying their babies, much as they did 100 years ago.  However, during the Curio period, an intense demand for Native baskets by white collectors and anthropologists led to the commodification and exploitation of this art form. Many weavers were compelled to sell their baskets to meet market demands, while others saw their cultural items stolen from graves or family homes. As a result, countless baskets ended up in the hands of non-Native private collectors or in museum archives, often removed from the communities that created them. In recent years, Native individuals and organizations, such as the Native Women’s Collective, have worked to reclaim these baskets—sometimes purchasing them back from online marketplaces or private collections at great financial cost. Learning the history of basket weaving is essential because it reveals how Indigenous cultural practices have endured despite colonization, commodification, and theft. It also highlights the resilience and agency of Native communities in preserving and reclaiming their heritage. By understanding this history, students develop a deeper respect for the living traditions of California Tribes and gain insight into the broader impacts of cultural appropriation, displacement, and the ongoing efforts toward cultural revitalization and justice.