First Nations speaker to discuss sacred cedars

Friday November 22, 6 p.m., Orcas Library

— from Mary Pugh for Orcas Library —

David Bodaly (Spirit Wolf) is a Snuneymuxw (Snoo-NAI-muk / Snuh-NAY-mow) First Nation Member and is a renowned storyteller.

The cedar is one of the most important Native American and First Nation Peoples plants. The cedar tree itself is of great importance to the Salish Sea tribes. The hollowed-out logs of red cedar were used to make their imposing fishing and war canoes (which could be as long as 60 feet), built their homes from cedar planks, and carve their spectacular totem poles. Other important cultural artwork like wooden masks and bentwood boxes were also made from cedar wood.

They also made clothing, textiles and fine-grained basketry from cedar root fiber and shredded cedar bark. Cedar is commonly used as part of sweat lodge ceremonies, and is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. Cedar leaves and bark are used as medicine plants in many tribes as well ceremonial plants, used by many tribes as an incense and purifying herb. Cedar is especially associated with prayer, healing, dreams, and protection against disease. Many Salish tribes consider the cedar tree a symbol of generosity and providence, and had special rituals regarding the felling of cedar trees. (http://www.ancientpages.com/2018/01/06/cedar-sacred-tree-medicine-power-native-american-beliefs/) (http://www.native-languages.org/legends-cedar.htm)

David Bodaly is a member of the Johnny family of Snuneymuxw First Nation on Vancouver Island. The Snuneymuxw First Nation is one of the largest Nations in British Columbia with a population of over 1,700 people.  They reside in the area on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Fraser River in B.C.

David enjoys sharing stories about the cedar and the importance to the First Nations culture. He is a cultural caretaker for Saysutshun Island off the east coast of Vancouver Island near Nanaimo, BC., where he also hosts cultural events.

This event is in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month and is supported by the Friends of Orcas Island Library.

In addition to the Sacred Cedar program, David will be giving a workshop on cedar bark weaving on Saturday November 23 and attending the Red Cedar Circle Meeting on Monday November 25. For more information contact Andy Reed at windriveracupuncture@gmail.com