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.
- Transportation
- Weaving
- Fishing
- Household
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.
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