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For thousands of years Coast Salish people have thrived in the abundant forests of Washington State. They have been able to succeed by developing a deep knowledge of the land and its resources and they utilize every element of the forest to serve distinct purposes that are woven into their daily lives, culture, and survival. From the aromatic cedars to sturdy firs, each tree holds a unique role in Salish traditions and provided materials for shelter, tools, clothing, and spiritual practices. These practices evolved into a deep respect and interdependence between the people and their environment and the forest in many ways, is an extension of their identities and is therefore inextricably linked to their spiritual practices and social structures.
The western red cedar, often called the "Tree of Life," was the most revered, its wood used for canoes, longhouses, and totem poles, while its bark was crafted into ropes, mats, and clothing. Douglas fir, known for its strength, became a staple in construction and tool-making. Different colors were extracted from the bark of western hemlock and were used to dye basket materials, and clothing. Meanwhile, the Sitka spruce, with its long, flexible fibers, provided material for ropes and baskets, while its resin held important medicinal properties. Numerous other varieties of trees, shrubs, and other plants were also integral to their daily lives.
This module outlines how the Coast Salish people skillfully harvested and utilized these trees, maintaining a balance between use and conservation. Unlike the resource-intensive practices introduced by European settlers, the Salish approach had a foundation rooted in sustainability, ensuring the forest remained healthy and abundant for future generations as they continued to uphold their cultural connection to the forest. By examining their relationship with these trees, one can gain insight into a culture that saw the natural world not as a commodity but as an extension of community, deeply connected to identity, spirituality, and way of life.
Cedar: The Tree of Life
For the Coast Salish people, no tree was more vital than the western red cedar, often referred to as the "Tree of Life." Towering over the coastal forests, cedar provided the foundation for nearly every aspect of daily existence, from shelter and transportation to clothing and tools. Also, cedar was not only practical but deeply spiritual; the tree was seen as a living being with its own spirit, and its use was accompanied by rituals of gratitude and respect.
Cedar’s straight, lightweight, and rot-resistant wood made it the perfect material for constructing longhouses. The heart of Salish villages were these sturdy homes that provided protection from the elements. Cedar was also essential for transportation. Its buoyant yet durable nature made it the preferred wood for carving canoes that were used for fishing, trade, and travel across the waterways of the Pacific Northwest.



Douglas fir
The Douglas fir was an essential resource for the Coast Salish people. Known for its remarkable strength and resilience, this tree provided the raw materials that were highly desired for building structures. Unlike cedar, which was prized for its flexibility and rot resistance, Douglas fir was valued for its dense, sturdy wood, which made it ideal for constructing various community structures. Salish builders used Douglas fir beams for reinforcing large homes and structures, ensuring stability against harsh coastal storms. The tree’s thick, straight trunks were also repurposed for poles, fish weirs, and scaffolding, which were vital for both construction and resource gathering.
Beyond its role in architecture, Douglas fir contributed to essential tools and implements. It’s hard, durable wood was carved into digging sticks used for harvesting camas and other root vegetables, as well as fashioning clubs and spears for hunting and defense. The tree’s resinous sap served multiple functions such as being applied to waterproof seams in canoes, using it as an adhesive for crafting, and it was even utilized in medicinal treatments for wounds and infections. The bark could be stripped in small sections for fire-starting and its high resin content make it an excellent source of fuel.
Spiritually, Douglas fir held significance in cleansing and protection rituals. Salish people burned its needles in purifying smudges and used its boughs to line sweat lodges, reinforcing its role as a guardian of both physical and spiritual strength.
Western Hemlock
The western hemlock, with drooping branches and shade-loving nature, is an important yet often overlooked resource for the Coast Salish people. While not as structurally strong as Douglas fir or as versatile as cedar, western hemlock had unique properties that made it invaluable for both practical and medicinal purposes. Its wood, which was softer than cedar and fir was used for house posts, temporary shelters, and smaller tools, while its bark provided tannins for dyeing materials and preserving hides. The Salish people also recognized hemlock’s role in the forest ecosystem as it helped to maintain soil moisture and provide shelter for wildlife.
One of the most significant uses of western hemlock was in food preparation and medicine. The inner bark which is rich in nutrients, was occasionally dried and ground into a flour-like substance to be mixed with other foods during times of scarcity. More commonly, the bark and needles were brewed into teas to treat digestive ailments, colds, and sore throats, due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The tannin-rich bark was also used in steam baths and cleansing rituals that were believed to help purify the body and spirit. Additionally, the needles, with their high vitamin C content, were chewed or infused into drinks to prevent illness during harsh winters.
Beyond its physical uses, western hemlock held a symbolic place in Salish culture. It was associated with healing, renewal, and protection. It was often used in purification ceremonies and as bedding in spiritual lodges. Its flexible branches made it ideal for weaving mats and temporary shelters, while its soft, reddish-brown wood was occasionally carved into smaller household items. Despite being overshadowed by more prominent trees like cedar and Douglas fir, western hemlock played a crucial role in the Salish way of life, offering sustenance, healing, and utility in a way that reflected their deep knowledge and respect for the land.


Sitka Spruce
The Sitka spruce, found along the coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, was a valuable resource for the Coast Salish people; its long, straight grain made it an ideal material for crafting tools, containers, and even temporary structures. While not as widely used for construction as cedar or Douglas fir, the Salish people took advantage of Sitka spruce’s lightweight yet durable wood for specialized applications, particularly where flexibility and resilience were needed. The tree’s pliable yet strong fibers were especially useful in making ropes, fishing lines, and weaving materials, essential for life along the coast. It was also often used to carve into ornate canoe paddles and musical instruments due to its resonance and durability
Sitka spruce also plays an important role in Salish medicine and daily sustenance, the pitch and resin were commonly harvested for their antiseptic and waterproofing properties and were applied to wounds to prevent infection. Similar to Douglas fir, it was used to seal canoe seams and baskets against water leakage. The inner bark, like that of western hemlock, was sometimes dried and ground into a starchy flour to supplement food supplies. Spruce tips were also used to brew tea to ward off scurvy and other ailments, making the tree an important part of traditional healing practices. Culturally and spiritually, Sitka spruce boughs were also used in purification rituals and sweat lodges.