Stz’uminus-carved ‘Salish Wind’ canoe acknowledges shared history

The Stz’uminus-carved Salish Wind canoe was dedicated during an event for Heritage Week where members of the nation came together with representatives from the Town of Ladysmith to recognize their shared history.

The red cedar canoe was built by Stz’uminus … Read More

Ay Lelum brings Coast Salish culture to Vancouver Fashion Week

By Cara McKenna

The Snuneymuxw family-run fashion house Ay Lelum showcased their work at Vancouver Fashion Week with a collection that was all about transformation and honouring matriarchs. Featuring original music and designs, Ay Lelum’s Fall/Winter 18 collection displayed the … Read More

Investing in culture: Homalco chief envisions bright future for youth

By Cara McKenna

Homalco Chief Darren Blaney has a vision to help the next generation to have a strong cultural understanding, thriving resources and big dreams.

The recently elected leader ran on a campaign of investing in youth and reconnecting … Read More

Second Hɛhɛwšɩn canoe unveiled at Tla’amin

Photos and story by Cara McKenna

The unveiling of a second Hɛhɛwšɩn canoe at Tla’amin marks the beginning of a greater understanding between the nation and wider community.

A small, 4.5-metre canoe for children and youth was revealed at a … Read More

Clam Bed Rock on Saysutshun

Told by Celestine Aleck (Sahiltiniye) of Snuneymuxw First Nation

Snuneymuxw has always treasured Saysutshun (Newcastle Island).

It has been used for three things: to harvest traditional medicines, for training grounds for canoe pullers where they had run the trails, and … Read More

Interactive play šxʷʔam̓ət comes to Snuneymuxw

By Julie Chadwick

šxʷʔam̓ət (home) is a production with big aspirations.

Directed by David Diamond from Theatre for Living, šxʷʔam̓ət is broken down into two sections. The audience observes the first part part as a traditional play, and then in … Read More

Master weaver releases book on ancient Salish Sea basketry

Master Suquamish basket weaver Ed Carriere has released a book sharing his more than 50 years of experience in the craft.

Re-Awakening Ancient Salish Sea Basketry was written with archaeologist Dr. Dale Croes, a Salish basket expert who specializes in … Read More

A look at Salish belongings in NYC museum collections

By Anni Irish

Salish belongings have come to inhabit a unique space within North America and beyond. Various Indigenous objects such as carvings, blankets, spindle whorls and regalia were taken or sold away from communities after colonization, and many have … Read More

Hɛhɛwšɩn, The Way Forward

By Alex Sutcliffe

This article originally appeared in Tla’amin’s Nehl Motl Newspaper and is reprinted here with permission.

The Hɛhɛwšɩn reconciliation canoe project wrapped up with a huge celebration in Tla’amin. I say ended, but really, it’s just the beginning.

… Read More

Threads of time: Weavers bring ancestors’ blankets home

By Cara McKenna

Some of the oldest existing Coast Salish blankets from museum collections around the world are being reconnected with their ancestors at Musqueam Indian Band.

“The Fabric of Our Land” exhibition at the Museum of Anthropology was prompted … Read More