Connecting Families to Coast Salish Teachings

Wulhxus (March) 14th-18th, Kw’umut Lelum hosted our first 3-Day Family Retreat where 5 families shared, practiced, and connected to Coast Salish ways through Traditional teachings and hands on crafts and activities at the Cowichan Lake Education Centre. Cultural Worker, William Johnny and Frankie Shaw taught the families how to create their own drum, as well as the unique steps of wool weaving. Participants also painted their own mini paddles, canvases, explored nature and much more!

One mother shared “At the beginning of the wool weaving workshop, I couldn’t get the hang of the weaving technique and I wanted to give up. But my family worked together, really listened to the instructions and we got the hang of it. The Weaving became my favourite activity by the end of it and I look forward to teaching others!”.

To close off the eventful retreat, Wellness Support Counsellor, Stan Matthew united the families as one, sharing Traditional songs and teachings that was followed by a blanketing ceremony; celebrating the growth, strength and well-being within each family.

Due to high interest, another Family Retreat is currently taking place March 21st-24th at the Cowichan Lake Education Centre. If you are interested in participating in our Family Retreat, stay tuned on our social media pages for future possibilities leading into Tum’kw’e’lus (Summer).

For more information on our events check out our Yukw'akw'usthut (Spring) Newsletter https://www.flipsnack.com/.../kl.../full-view.html