The Wild

Last week I posted a quick survey of the Arbutus tree that is frequently seen in the areas surrounding my new home. As part of that post I included two myths that are from the Coast Salish people that were found in a very nice book on West Coast forests.

Since the post I have had some time to think about the stories, and what core purpose they would have served, and what they might have said about the Coast Salish people and their culture. The two myths can be found in my previous post: https://cameronwildeman.com/2023/12/12/arbutus/

To be clear, these are not my stories, and I am left to interpret them through my own experiences. I do not understand or have significant knowledge of the Coast Salish people to whom these myths belong. Anything I take from them is only my own imperfect interpretation.

I will first address the story of pitch by saying that I am uncertain about its deeper wisdom or teachings. It is clearly a means to remember that Arbutus does not have pitch. This would be significant because pitch is a very important historical resource that was utilized by indigenous peoples. The story would have been a way to remember that fir trees have pitch and that the arbutus does not, but I am sure that there is more meaning to be uncovered.

The story of the Arbutus in the flood seems to speaks to the culture and values of the Coast Salish people. It is the remembrance of Arbutus and how it saved the people during the great flood. It is uncertain to me when the great flood took place, but I assume it is an ancient legend that the people kept alive through the sharing of this tale and others.

What really struck me was the part of the story when it is stated that the Salish people to this day do not burn Arbutus in their stoves because of the great service the tree provided long ago. To me this speaks to a deeper cultural value, and the idea that if someone does something of service to their community that good deed will be remembered. It clearly links great service to the idea of immortality through the remembrance and gratitude of the community.

I wonder what our stories say of us in the modern age. What values are we projecting out into the world? What behaviors are we reinforcing through our creative arts?

Featured image is courtesy of: https://www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-folklore/greek-mythology-and-human-origins-0064