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WHYUCTAN SWALAMESETT
THE history and legends of the Indians of
the Pacific Northwest is especially interesting from the fact that they
have not been so long or so closely in touch with the white races as the
other aboriginal inhabitants of North America. This little volume deals
with the Cowichan tribe of Vancouver Island, who, from being a numerous
and powerful people, are now reduced to a mere handful. Civilization is
destroying their native dignity and wholesome life, substituting much
evil for the real good found in their former customs and character.
Their legends are fast being forgotton, and as a contribution towards
their preservation, I have translated them as a memento of British
Columbia. The Story of Cedar:
Cowichan Workshop
The Story of the First
Man on Earth
Sowittan, Or The Grumbler
The Story of the Flood by the Cowichan Indians
History of the Cowichan
The War Song
The Story of Quamichah
Scalligham; or The Thunder and Lightning Bird
The Adventures of a Young Man with Crooked Eyes
The Story of the Ten Brothers and the Sea Lion
The Story of Semmelth
Stetalht, or Spirit People
Chee-Chee-Ka
Chiltsop, or Fire Stick
Children of the Moon
The Story of the Four Winds
Folk-Lore of the Cree
Indians As a
little girl I used to listen to these legends with the greatest delight,
and in order not to lose them, I have written down what I can remember
of them. When written they lose their charm which was in the telling.
They need the quaint songs and the sweet voice that told them, the
winter gloaming and the bright fire as the only light—then were these
legends beautiful.
MARTHA DOUGLAS HARRIS.
Wie-Sah-Ke-Chack
The Enchanted Bear
Chis-tapistaquhn, or the Rolling Head
The Two Sisters
The Adventures of Hyas
Cowichan Green Community
2013
Tourism
Cowichan
Cowichan Tribes |
