Quw'utsun' Elders Series: Backyard Sessions
Nature and Art-Based Community Discovery:
Traditional and cultural practices led by Knowledge Keepers
Backyard Sessions began in 2022 as a monthly outdoor gathering, open to the general public wishing to deepen their appreciation of nature and connect artistic expression to place by learning traditional skills, crafts and practices that are known as bushcraft skills, ancestral skills or traditional knowledge.
As participation evolved, the connection to traditional cultural knowledge, as well as right relations, became apparent. In 2024/25 we bring the Quw’utsun’ Elder Series. Support from BC Arts Council and partnerships with Sacred Cedar Centre and Social Planning Cowichan have allowed us to provide honoraria to Elders who have made special time to lead each of our sessions.
Sessions include:
● Welcome/Gratitude/Awareness/Games/Song
● Intro/ Cultural Teaching of Skill Share/Harvest
● Lunch: Bring your own food and tea
● Hands-on Making/Creating/Crafting
● Brief Closing Circle
Bring a snack, lunch, water, hat, solid blade knife,
and something warm to sit on.
All ages, all skill sets, all backgrounds encouraged.
Register early - space is limited to 20-40 participants.
Price is negotiable, email
sandraspcowichan@gmail.com to learn more.
Description of the Sessions
MAY 2024
Introduction to Coast Salish Culture through craft and stories
Join Elders Qwiyahwultu-hw / Robert George, Quw’utsun’ Elder & Thuitsiye / Pamela Bourque for an afternoon of Story, Drumming, Talking Circle Sharing and Bannock.
Sunday May 5th, 2024 | 11am - 3pm
SOLD OUT
JUNE 2024
Mini Canoe Carving Course
Join Elder Tlithl'Kawi / Rupert Scow/ Kwakwaka'wakw artist and wood carver
for a day of wood carving, traditional practices.
Sunday June 2nd, 2024 | 10am - 2pm
Sunrise Waldorf School, 2148 Lakeside Road, Duncan
$50 / each person who will carve
Extra family members only watching and learning are by donation
Stay tuned for more info on upcoming sessions!