Cedar has been an important resource for coastal Salish first nations that used the various parts of the tree for different utilitarian (and non-utilitarian) purposes. In this exhibition called the Big House and found in Capilano park, there are examples of the types of items created with this important resource that include canoes, baskets, art, etc.
These were the general aspects of coastal life influenced by the abundant cedar. It stills plays a key role in First Nations' cultures.
There is a canoe in the exhibit that has a unique place in the park's history because it belonged to a Squamish matriarch named Mary Capilano, who was instrumental in bringing peace between warring groups.
According to one of the info-graphics, the structure housing the exhibit was made in the likeness of traditional dwellings used for ceremonial events like the potlach. Totems at the front of such places usually represent a family or clan lineage.
The Big House from a distance.
In this particular case, the pole is called the Seventh Generation Pole and acts as a reminder that the generations of tomorrow will be affected by our actions today.
| X | InLeo | NFT Showroom |
Images by 
