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Western Red Cedar

The Western Red Cedar tree (Thuja plicata) has been a useful and renewable resource to man for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Unique natural qualities enable it to stand up to the brutal weather conditions nearly anywhere in the world. Cedar's superior durability, light weight, beautiful coloring, and straight grain has long been revered by the indigenous populations of the Pacific Northwest.

The First Nations people of the Pacific Northwest Coast and the Western Red Cedar tree have a rich history. It is called the "Tree of Life" because not only was cedar used in the making of their shelters, tools, boats, and other essentials, but the cedar tree held a place in their spiritual values as well.

Large houses were constructed of bark stripped cedar trees for beams. The walls and roof were made of cedar planks. Many were decorated with elaborate designs and cedar carved totem poles. The solid construction and detailed work took dozens of skilled craftsmen months to complete. Many of the massive cedar trunk beams are standing today at excavation sites across the Northwest.

Many other essentials in the daily life of the First Nations people also came from the cedar tree. Large boats and canoes were constructed from whole cedar logs where the inside was burned and then shaped using basic stone. The bark of stripped cedar logs was beaten with special hammers to make strands that were then used to weave cloth for clothing. The smaller branches and the roots of the tree were used to make rope, baskets, and seating mats.

Spirits gave the cedar tree to the people. The people carved totem poles that represented family heritage and various rights. Ceremonial masks and dress are made of carved cedar and cedar bark cloth. Additionally, the cedar tree is the source of numerous rituals and medically related practices.

Source: Cedar - Tree of Life to the Northwest Coast Indians, by Hilary Stewart, 1984.

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