Orcas Island Library invites the community to an engaging conversation with Dave “Spirit Wolf” Bodaly, a member of the Snuneymuxw (Snuh-NAY-mow) First Nation People and a renowned storyteller.

This free event takes place at the library in the Graves Reading Area on Friday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m.

This event is in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month and is supported by the Friends of Orcas Island Library. The cedar is one of the most important Native American and First Nation Peoples plants. The Western red 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); cedar planks were used to build their homes and to carve their spectacular totem poles. Other important cultural artwork like wooden masks and bentwood boxes were (and are) made from cedarwood. 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 medicinal plants in many tribes as well as ceremonial plants, used by many tribes as 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.

For more information, contact Mary Pugh, Programs Coordinator at mpugh@orcaslibrary.org or call 360-376-4985.

To learn more about “Sacred Cedar” visit www.ancientpages.com/2018/01/06/cedar-sacred-tree-medicine-power-native-american-beliefs/.