Tree of Life in Northwest First Nations Culture FNST 101 Ryan Campbell Western Red-Cedar Tree of Life in Northwest First Nations Culture FNST 101 Ryan Campbell

Into the Past Glaciers covered most of Canada Humans present from 11,500 years ago Cedar began to disperse into region at the same time

A Way of Life Coastal Salish origin: “There was a real good man who was always helping others. Whenever they needed, he gave; when they wanted, he gave them food and clothing. When the Great Spirit saw this, he said, ‘That man has done his work; when he dies and where he is buried, a cedar tree will grow and be useful to the people – the roots for baskets, the bark for clothing, the wood for shelter.’” Bertha Peters to Wally Henry

Western Red-Cedar Distribution Limited to Pacific Northwest Coast Coastal First Nations have long history with cedar

A Multitude of Uses

A Multitude of Uses

Red-Cedar Bark Bark was stripped off. Beaten until the bark separated. Bend but not broken Planks “wedged” free from logs.

Thoughts for the Future