Used with permission copyright Hilary Stewart

Among Northwest Coast people the cedar is considered sacred because it provides all the essentials for daily life. In the central coast area one of the most important dance ceremonies is centered around the Red Cedar.

Carvers like the wood because of its softness, straight grain, lightweight and built in fungicide (Thujaplicin) which make it perfect for carving.

There are two types of Cedar, Red and Yellow, both of which are aromatic woods. Of the two types, Red cedar is the more popular choice because of its warm colour and rich inviting scent. Both types of cedars are long lived with the oldest ones being around a thousand years old. Red cedars grow in elevation from sea level to 1370 metres and can reach a height of 70 metres. Yellow cedars grow in elevations up to 2130 metres and are shorter with heights of 44 metres. Cedars are plentiful and thrive in the cool wet environment of the Northwest Coast

Used with permission copyright Hilary Stewart