Cupressaceae Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don

Western Redcedar

Hesquiat - Other, Fuel

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: Fuel
Notes: Shredded inner bark twisted tightly, tied with cedar bark strips and used as tinder to start a fire. A story involving cedar -- called 'nuhtume' by Hesquiat -- tells of the time Deer stole fire. This version has Deer taking fire from the Wolves; another says that Deer stole it from Chief Red-winged Blackbird. In both versions Deer attached the soft, shredded cedar bark to his elbows, knees and horns. He allowed this dry cedar bark to catch fire when he visited the fire's owner. Deer escaped by jumping out through the roof. Since, however, he had to jump into water while fleeing, the only fire that continued to burn was that in the cedar bark on his horns. Thus, Deer did bring back fire but suffered burnt knees and elbows.

RECRD: 529 id: 40019

---