Our Cedar Harvesting Process
Rooted in Respect. Built with Intention.
At KW IL STEN SAUNA INC., we believe that what you build something with — and how you gather it — matters.
Why Cedar?
Cedar holds profound practical and spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples, a connection that dates back to time immemorial.
Many Creation stories are intricately linked to cedar, with some traditions believing the trees have their own life and embody the spirits of our ancestors. Beyond its spiritual uses, cedar serves various practical purposes, including ceremonies, protection, purification, and healing.
Honouring Cedar's Legacy
Historically, cedar’s traditional uses also included building structures like the longhouses and pit houses; crafting transportation, such as canoes; creating utensils, including canoe paddles; and producing textiles, like basket weaving, mats, and clothing (such as hats and regalia), totem poles, carvings, medicines, and ceremonial items. Cedar boughs were also used in ceremonies and gatherings, often used in baths and sweats.
For Indigenous peoples, the use of cedar and the practice of cedar bark harvesting have been integral to their connection with the land.
This practice, deeply rooted in tradition, had been passed down through generations. Today, cedar bark harvesting continues, with intergenerational knowledge and protocols being taught. The tangible result of this practice throughout British Columbia is presence of culturally modified trees (CMTs). These CMTs bear a distinctive, vertical scar and many can still be seen standing today.
Cedar Wisdom Passed Down
Through generations, my family had honoured me with the knowledge of cedar harvesting. Each early spring, when the sap flows, these magnificent “Grandmother trees” graciously permit us to gather their bark to which I have had the honour learning the process of cedar harvesting taught over generations in my family. Every season in early spring when the sap is running and these beautiful “grandmother trees" allow us to harvest !
