Traditions

Cedar

The Quw'utsun' People realized very early that the cedar was one of the most versatile trees and they used it extensively. The Quw'utsun' would fell the tree by applying mud above and below the cut line and then burning the cut line until the tree toppled.

Woven Cedar Hat

The large winter houses were constructed from cedar using a complicated system of rope pulleys and mounds of dirt. The mobile summerhouses were quickly assembled from planks transported down the river lashed between two canoes.

The trunks would become canoes and totem poles. The bark would be fashioned into clothing, baskets and rope that was stronger than any modern nylon equivalent. Quw'utsun' women even chewed the cedar bark to such a softness they used it for baby diapers!

Masks

Mask

Like the totem poles, the masks depict different symbols used in the stories of a tribe. The masks that are carved for a tribe are used for ceremonial purposes and are not available for viewing or for sale.

The masks available for purchase in the Gallery have been created as a way in which to share this art form with the world. The most common symbols on both masks and totems are the thunderbird, killer whale, frog, salmon, beaver, bear, wolf, sun, moon and raven.

Carvers

Carver

Traditionally the elders would look at an infant child and know whether or not the child would become a carver and that child would be taught the craft. Now anyone interested in carving has the opportunity to learn not only how to carve, but also the significance of carving, and how to preserve the cultural value of carving.

Totems

Thunderbird Totem

The totem poles are the Quw'utsun' people's way of telling their stories visually. Whenever a village or family member was married or passed away the carvers would be asked to transform the story of the person into a totem design.
Totems also depict the stories of Quw'utsun' ancestors. From the tale of the thunderbird and the killer whale to Dsunoqwa, Wild Woman of the Woods, the totems are a visual marker of the past.

Cowichan Sweaters

The Quw'utsun' women have a long tradition of working with wool. For centuries they would use the wool from small white dogs to weave blankets used for trade and ceremonies. When European settlers arrived in the Cowichan Valley, they brought sheep and taught the native women how to knit.

Cowichan Sweaters

The Quw'utsun' quickly learned the art and added their unique talent to create the Cowichan sweater. The sweater became much sought after and an essential part of the native existence. The settlers' logging and fishing displaced the natives who relied on the land for their necessities. When natives were unemployed or impoverished, it was the sale of Cowichan sweaters that often put food on the table.

The sweaters are still valued today for their craftsmanship and waterproof qualities. The sweaters are made from non dyed wool and feature symbols such as the whale, eagle, raven and patterns passed from mother to child.

To purchase a hand made sweater visit the Gallery or email: kathyp@quwutsun.ca  or call: 1 877-746-8119

Rituals

Nahnum

The fire circle or nahnum is a gathering place where stories and teachings are shared. The circular seating and fire burning are traditions that started in the tribes' winter homes where generations would sit and talk with the elders. It's the equivalent of sitting around the kitchen having dinner and talking about your day. More formal gatherings are held to discuss business matters. During those meetings a talking stick will be used to indicate which person will have the floor.

Gatherings are still practiced today although they may not be around a fire. Talking face to face is an important tradition for the Quw'utsun' people. If a person needs a favour or advice from an elder he or she must go to the elder's home to have tea and talk. As a result of this tradition, many elders don't have phones or e-mail.

Ritual Bathing

Bathing in cool clear water while facing east is a ritual to give homage to the creator. The practice came from Syalutsa, the first human to come from the sky. Through bathing the Quw'utsun' people gain s'yuw wun, or special spirit power.

Dances and Songs

Dancers

Dancing and singing play a significant role in the lives of the Quw'utsun' people. The dances are very old and originated in the long house. Songs are created to commemorate people and events. The family that originated the dance or the song holds the rights to the piece and it can't be performed without their permission.

The dances and songs are both festive and spiritual in nature. The festive dances and songs are performed in public places like the Cultural Centre, but spiritual dances are performed only within the tribes. The elders believe that they must respect the spirituality of these dances and songs.

Gifts

Syalutsa was the first to practise giving gifts such as furs and coats to invited guests. He would stand on top of a special scaffold and throw the gifts to the guests below. The practice of offering gifts to invited guests is still performed today.

Language

The Quw'utsun' are part of the Coast Salish Nation and speak the Hul'qumi'num' dialect.