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The Sarita River is called "Heart of the People" by the Huu-ay-aht First Nations because of its importance in their history. This river was damaged by logging activities in the past, and needs to be restored to its former greatness as a home to tens of thousands of spawning salmon.
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To help heal the "Heart of the People", the Huu-ay-aht, who have occupied their homelands on the west coast of Canada for thousands of years, are undertaking an innovative project in partnership with forestry company MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. (Weyerhaeuser) The plan involves using the unique properties of the wood and bark of the red cedar tree, as described in Huu-ay-aht cultural traditions.
Red cedar trees have special significance in Huu-ay-aht traditions, and are believed to have sacred and healing qualities. Near the mouth of the Sarita River is a grove of old-growth timber that includes many large cedars. Dozens of these trees ("culturally modified trees" or CMTs) show evidence of use by Huu-ay-aht ancestors over several generations, signifying the special qualities of all cedars in this particular grove.
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A special forestry plan proposed by MacMillan Bloedel (Weyerhaeuser)and the Huu-ay-aht will see the harvest of the trees in this grove in an ecologically and culturally sensitive manner. The profits from the sales of these trees will be used in a Sarita River Restoration Program. In this way, the healing of the Sarita River can begin, using the sacred qualities of cedar, and in keeping with the Huu-ay-aht principle of Hishuk Tsawak ("all is one"), to restore the natural balance of nature.
To learn more about this project:
Huu-ay-aht First Nations Contact:
Economic Development Manager Larry Johnson
larry.johnson@hfnforestry.ca
OUTSIDE LINKS:
B.C. Ministry of Forests |
Healing the Heart
