Native Culture
In terms of Euro western historical age, Canada is very often considered a relatively young country of pioneering immigrants. Pushing this concept aside, in very real terms the major portion of history of the land called Canada took place long before the conquest. In Europe, the term 'Indians' is frequently associated with childhood fantasy engendered by Karl May's adventure literature and bow and arrow. The real history and contemporary culture of the 'Native People' seldom find its way across the Atlantic. The 'Salish People' represent a broad and diverse population group. 'Salishan' includes twenty three languages and over a hundred dialects, spoken over a range of geographies from the interior plateau, to the steep coastal fjords of the central coast, to the rich river valleys of the Fraser, Cowichan and Skagit rivers. The life and philosophy of the Native People differs much from those who are orientated towards European philosophies. For instance, the Coast Salish see plants, animals, rocks and certain places as part of the tribe and include these elements of nature in their reckoning of kin. Accordingly, you will find a completely different attitude towards nature which doesn't have anything to do with the anthropocentric view of the occidental world. This creates a close attachment to the living and non-living pieces of nature in which humans are only part of the whole. Many aspects of this philosophy were overlooked and ignored in the course of 'civilization and cultural obliteration' by fortune-seeking pioneers and their descendants. Today these attitudes and beliefs are being re-examined and a rebirthing is in progress. Many aspects are revealing a far greater meaning than was assumed at first as parts of the old culture are being brought to mind again, taught and being incorporated in the daily lives of people. Today, along side the evidence of the past you can study the modern approach to this philosophy of life and deal with contemporary interpretations of oral traditions. Present story tellers are a powerful resource in the rebirth of native culture and traditions. Pictographs on rock faces and tree stumps, totem poles, songs and dances as well as countless black and white photographs from the flourishing age of contact are speaking volumes to the modern world. Much attention is being focused on a very special skill in the knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants. Learn about the herbal medicine and cuisine of the Natives while traveling by kayak, mountain bike or on foot. Maybe you will even find time for a small cooking course, which is and will be more than just mixing ingredients. For those who have a special interest in this culture, we recommend a day in the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver or visit the Sechelt Band's Tem-Swiya Museum or try just making yourself acquainted with the subject by means of books or the internet. Please let us know what you are interested in - we will do our best to forge cultural links for you.
