Cedar woven into curriculum

Words and photos by Cara McKenna

Students in BC are learning about Coast Salish culture as part of a new Indigenous- focused curriculum.

Elementary students from several schools came to John Oliver high school in Vancouver recently for its inaugural Aboriginal … Read More

Artists can win $2,500 award!

Nominations are open until July 15 for the BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations art.

Celebrating artistic excellence in both traditional and contemporary visual art, the award is designed for artists who have demonstrated a commitment to their art … Read More

A new era for the Good house

Words by Mark Kiemele. Photos by Tricia Thomas

Two sisters are honouring the legacy of their parents by starting a clothing business – Ay Lelum: The House of Good Design – featuring the traditional Coast Salish designs of their father … Read More

Marston starts work on big school ‘reconciliation’ project

Stz’uminus carver John Marston has begun work on a project that he says will transform the entry lobby at Ladysmith Secondary School into a space that will revel in Coast Salish culture.

On the day that Marston was announced as … Read More

In memory of Coast Salish Veterans

A prayer pole and a warrior canoe were raised in remembrance of Coast Salish veterans.

In an event at the Cowichan campus of Vancouver Island University, the two carvings were unveiled in a ceremony attended by veterans from BC and … Read More

Homalco drummers

The Homalco drum groups gets together regularly in the community hall to sing old songs and learn new ones.

Many of the songs can be heard by visitors to the Bears of Bute this summer.

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Doors are open, Carmen tells youth

Carmen Galligos was one of the speakers during Tla’amin Treaty celebrations on April 9. Here is her talk, followed by her personal biography.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak as a Tla’amin youth today. Thank you for … Read More

Welcome home, babies!

Words by Cara McKenna.  Photos by Tricia Thomas 

According to Snaw-naw-as stories, when residential schools began and ceremonies became illegal, ancestor Nanoose Bob burned all of the First Nation’s regalia in an effort to protect people.

Much of the community’s culture … Read More

Nominations opened for first Elders council

Elders from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council nations will soon be providing knowledge and wisdom in their roles as members of the first Elders Advisory Council. Nominations from all nations’ elected leaders as well as from individuals are invited until May 13 … Read More

Ancestors’ gifts keep Angela going

By Cara McKenna

When Angela White was growing up, family members told her to embrace her Snuneymuxw identity.Even though things were hard at time, she remembers gathering food and medicines and learning other traditional ways.

But now, many Indigenous youth … Read More