This geocache is part of the Gold Country GeoTour – The Prequel: Be A Guest. This GeoTour focuses on a step back in time to learn about before the Gold Rush ensued: languages of the region’s culturally diverse families, handed down traditions such as recipes, flora and fauna, historic sites of significance, and points of interest. These stories will help preserve the oral languages and traditions of the region as well as assist in educating visitors and locals alike to the cultural diversity and environmental sensitivity of the region.
A Story About the Cotton Wood Canoe
neq̓wníq̓waoz̓ Lilwat - Black Cottonwood
t'aŝ Tsilhqot'in - Black Cotton Wood
mulc Secwepemc - Cotton Wood
The day was long as the group of Secwepemc people traversed from the area non - natives now know as Bonaparte First Nations to the area we now call Downing Provincial Park. The men were on a mission to hunt for the elk and deer, and the women had their keen eyes open for the plants that would provide nourishment and medicines. The women came prepared with their strongest digging stick, called a pétse. The strong saskatoon wood was adorned with an antler handle and was tied together with sinew. The point of the stick was sharp and made hard with fire.
The group had walked upon an expansive body of water, and it was decided that they should make camp. A quick scan of the land resulted in the groups' agreement, the area they were in was rich with resources and it would be wise to replenish their resources. The obstacle of water was not of concern as they had packed with them a dug-out canoe made of the black cottonwood.
During the late fall months, the young men fell a black cotton wood by stripping a ring of bark off to stunt the trees growth then burning that area of the tree and finally bringing it down with a wedge and a maul. The Secwepemc would then collect the cottony seed fluff and use it to comfort their heads with a pillow. Every part of the tree can be used, and the inner bark was kept making soap, and to be turned into a medicinal tea. The buds in the springtime would provide a sticky resin that was a fragrant ointment for small cuts and a superglue.
They let the black cottonwood it dry, and as fall turned into winter they began using the hot coals of the fire to burn out the centre of the tree. Then they would scrape out the inside with sharp stones or an adze (ctskéklltsʼe7ten). To get the finer details, smaller tools like a chisel would be used. To push out or help shape the canoe, red hot rocks and steam were carefully applied to form the curvatures. The canoe was filled with water and the red-hot rocks were added to the water, as the water would begin to boil and hiss, wood spreaders were added to keep the sides spread apart.
Everyone then settled into their matt lodges, constructed of reeds, that were easy to transport, and made for the spring and summer months. The productive day had everyone ready for sleep and the paddle the next day.
As they canoed across the lake, everyone knows their role and works together to paddle in unison. The black cottonwood canoe is long and narrow, with enough room for all the supplies they need for their journey. It is steered by the most experienced paddler at the back, while the others use their strength to propel. Everyone is excited to hunt, gather, and share the rewards on the other side of the water.
Site researched by Misty Antoine and story wrote by Brandy Cooper-Chardon
Sources:
https://shuswappassion.ca/history/the-secwepemc-use-of-wild-plants/
https://www.sfu.ca/archaeology/museum/exhibits/past-exhibits/keatley-creek/occupation-at-keatley-creek.html
http://secwepemc.sd73.bc.ca/sec_village/sec_transfs.html
J. Antos, R. Coupé, G. Douglas, R. Evans, T. Goward, M. Ignace, D. Lloyd, R. Perish, R. Pojar, A. Roberts - Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia and the Inland Northwest – edited by Parish, Coupe, Lloyd -– 5 -2910 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5N 6C9 -Lone Pine Publishing – 1996 - Page 28