Cupressaceae Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don

Western Redcedar

Hesquiat - Other, Tools

Use documented by:
Turner, Nancy J. and Barbara S. Efrat, 1982, Ethnobotany of the Hesquiat Indians of Vancouver Island, Victoria. British Columbia Provincial Museum, page 35

View all documented uses for Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don

---

Scientific name: Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don
USDA symbol: THPL (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Western Redcedar
Family: Cupressaceae
Family (APG): Cupressaceae
Native American Tribe: Hesquiat
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Tools
Notes: Long, dried kindling tied with cedar bark & used as torch to burn out excess wood in making a canoe. There is a story about Deer and the Chickadees in which Deer was using such a bundle of cedar pieces while making a canoe. He became so absorbed in watching the dancing of the Chickadees that he burned right through the bottom of the canoe. Turner's informant Alice Paul pointed out that a deer is still like that--when he sees anything moving, he stares at it.

RECRD: 532 id: 40022

---