Open to everyone, the Quw’utsun’ Elder Series workshops were created for the community, to engage in nature and art-based discovery through traditional cultural practices, led by Knowledge Keepers in the Quw’utsun’ Valley.
From the beginning, Backyard Session workshops focussed on bringing all ages together to learn and connect with nature and ancestral knowledge such as: fire skills, plant work, canning, wool felting, cedar and basket weaving, to name just a few. We were honoured to have local Elders attend and offer their teachings and support in the workshops and it soon became clear that we wanted to learn directly from the Indigenous Elders in this community.
We asked some of them if they wanted to lead and share their gifts of local knowledge, craft, stories and more and thus the Quw’utsun’ Elder Series, Backyard Sessions were created with much support from Hwiemtun, Fred Roland and his Sacred Cedar Centre, Quw’utsun’ Cultural Connections Society, the BC Arts Council and Cari Burdett and Lila Music & Nature Centre.
“I loved every minute of our time with Qwiyahwultu-hw, Thuitsiye and the team that helped put the event together. The crackling fire warmed us all and was a perfect centre to hold the incredible generosity of Qwiyahwultu-hw and Thuitsiye. Honestly, I just loved being in their company – no rush, wonderful stories, good humour. In all respects, that was a special day. I will hold the memory fondly”
All Best, Val Murray
A recent workshop, held at the home of Quw’utsun’ Elder Qwiyahwultu-hw (Robert George) in Georgetown, was more than a gathering, it was a transformative journey. It brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, while fostering a profound sense of unity and understanding. This event provided a platform for participants to engage directly with Cowichan First Nations Elders, explore Indigenous culture and embrace traditional teachings, leading to personal and communal growth.
Qwiyahwultu-hw welcomed invited guests to his backyard and acknowledged that this was an important step in reconciliation, by welcoming the general public to his family’s land. Qwiyahwultu-hw says “I feel that it is important to have the Quw’utsun’ Elders Series, share their cultural teachings in building Nutsamaat Sqwalawun – One Heart One Mind. It is also important to build community together by sitting down and giving space to Cowichan Elders to share. It is important for the Elders to feel a sense of belonging in being a part of the greater community. These workshops create a sense of belonging overall too, which is important for all peoples, especially in the work of reconciliation and coming together.”
The first workshop in the year long series, was an afternoon of Coast Salish teachings through story, drumming, bannock and crafting. It was an opportunity for attendees to connect with Coast Salish Elders, Qwiyahwultu-hw/ Robert George and Thuitsiye/ Pamella Bouque and immerse themselves in cultural teachings through drumming, bannock cooking over the fire, crafting worry bags and storytelling using head masks, felted birds and animal puppets, hand made by Thuitsiye.
One participant shared her experience of feeling welcomed onto the reservation and reconnecting with her artistic passion by painting for the first time in decades. She also gained insight into the significance of worry bags in aboriginal culture, a learning that resonated deeply with her and others.
The sense of being invited into the community and the elders’ family land was meaningful for all participants. They emphasized the generosity and kindness extended by the elders, underscoring the importance of building bridges between different cultures. Through storytelling and teachings shared around the sacred fire, attendees felt a profound sense of belonging and connection to the land, deepening their understanding of Indigenous traditions. Emotions ran deep during the workshop, with participants expressing feelings of love, joy, and gratitude. The experience evoked memories of loved ones and elicited a sense of peace and grounding.
The workshop sparked personal and professional ideas among participants, motivating them to integrate Indigenous wisdom into their lives and work. One participant, a shelter worker, saw the potential of introducing the concept of burden bags to raise awareness of the energies individuals bring into shared spaces. Another committed to educating their daughter about Coast Salish culture, highlighting the importance of passing down traditional knowledge to future generations.
Another workshop featured Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Rupert Scow. Rupert comes from a line of Kwakwaka’wakw carvers living in the Alert Bay/Gilford Island area of Northern Vancouver Island. The Scow family, known as “The people of the Bear,” is Kwikwasut’inuxw from the village of Gwa’yasdams on Gilford Island. Rupert’s ancestors were famous for their beautifully carved totem poles. Their articulated masks were danced by dancers wearing their family house crests on their regalia of spectacular button blankets, aprons, arm bands, and sometimes leggings. During the short, dark days of winter at the family Potlatches, they danced and sang the dramatic stories of their histories. Rupert still carries on the proud tradition of telling Indigenous history through the masks and totem poles they carve. He presently lives in the Quw’utsun’ Valley, where he is committed to meeting the local people and finding ways to collaborate in a good and meaningful way.
“I joined the Quw’utsun’ Elder Backyard Sessions, because this kind of work is bringing together First Nations and non First Nations people. I feel that we all need to work together to start the healing process. It’s why I’ve been gifting my artwork.” shares Rupert “I feel that it’s also important to give back to the community. I’ve been welcomed so warmly here in the Quw’utsun’ Valley, that I feel the need and wish to reciprocate. I also love to teach, as I get to learn as I share my knowledge of carving.”
His hereditary name is pronounced “Tlee Thul ‘Kaw Wee”. It means, I stand at the door of my grandfather’s house and I make people welcome. He taught about carving a canoe and spoke about the traditions of the canoe and the big role they played in cultures up and down the coast. He also showed the students how to sharpen the straight knives. Each student carved a mini canoe out of pine or basswood. He also took time to explore the large canoe that he was carving, and that will be set into the Salish Sea during the summer.
Overall, the Quw’utsun’ Elder Backyard workshops exemplify the power of intercultural dialogue and the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous heritage. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of traditions that enrich our communities and the profound impact of embracing diverse perspectives.
Original article from the June, 2024 issue of Cowichan Valley Voice