a person of that culture. If you like the look of Cowichan sweaters, don’t buy a “Cowichan-inspired” sweater from a retail giant, buy from a Coast Salish knitter or an Indigenous-owned store that buys sweaters from the knitters. That is cultural respect. Don’t refer to a culture or a People as exotic.
How are Cowichan sweaters made?
The sweaters are still made here in Cowichan by a group of dedicated knitters. Each sweater is painstakingly knitted by hand and each takes upwards of two days to complete. The wool used is exclusively from sheep and like the knitting itself, all of the wool is washed, spun and dyed by hand.
Are Cowichan sweaters warm?
The Cowichan Sweater is an iconic First Nation Clothing item with a fascinating history. Warm, water resistant, the Cowichan Sweater is an ideal garment for coastal BC and became a symbol for British Columbia.
Can you wash Cowichan sweater?
For Cowichan sweater care use lukewarm water and wool soap or small amount of detergent can be used. Not too much should be used, or the lanolin will be washed out and your piece will no longer be waterproof. … Rinse in water two or three times, squeeze out water.
What is Salish knitting?
For nearly a century, the Coast Salish women of southern Vancouver Island have produced these distinctively patterned, hand-knit sweaters. … They created their knit patterns without the use of dyes, using natural black, brown and white wool from sheep brought by the Europeans.
What does QUW Utsun mean?
Cowichan takes its name from “Quw’utsun,” the name given to the valley by its original inhabitants, the Quw’utsun people. It is rooted in the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which directly translated means “to warm one’s back in the sun,” and is why our valley is, and always has been known as The Warm Land.
Where are Cowichan Tribes located?
Cowichan Tribes is the band government of the Cowichan, a group of Coast Salish peoples who live in the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island. With over 3,800 registered members, it is the single largest First Nations band in British Columbia.
How many tribes are in the Cowichan tribe?
With over 4,900 members, we are the largest single First Nation Band in British Columbia. About half of our members live on the Cowichan Tribes Reserve.
Is Lake Cowichan a good place to live?
If you are interested in moving to the Island, Lake Cowichan would be a great choice. It is clean, safe and beautiful, with friendly people and a growing economy.
Can you swim in Lake Cowichan?
Cowichan Lake is a beautiful 30km long lake located in the Cowichan Valley, popular for swimming, boating and fishing. It is also where the Cowichan River starts, providing another fun activity – tubing down the river!
Can I drive around Lake Cowichan?
Lake Cowichan Loop is a 47.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cowichan Valley I, British Columbia, Canada that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for road biking and scenic driving. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
How do you shrink a Cowichan sweater?
Shrink a Wool Sweater and Make It Fit Again
- First, you have to be OK with losing the sweater. …
- If you need a sweater to shrink a lot, then throw it in the washing machine under a hot, hot water cycle. …
- If you only need the sweater to shrink a little, then spray it down with a water bottle and put it in the dryer.
How do you stretch a Cowichan sweater?
Place the sweater on a fresh, dry towel.
Gently stretch the sweater to its original shape while it’s still damp. Keep it flat until it dries, preferably on a drying rack. Voilà!
How do you clean a Thrifted sweater?
Fill the sink with warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar, put the items in, and let them soak for several minutes. Then, place all the items on a clean towel to dry, making sure all the water can escape the items.
What tribes are on Vancouver Island?
There are three main First Nations groups on Vancouver Island: the Kwakwaka’wakw, the Nootka and the Coastal Salish.
What is Coast Salish territory?
The Coast Salish Territory extends throughout large parts of both present-day British Columbia and Washington State, including parts of the Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan De Fuca, the Lower Fraser Valley and Puget Sound. The Salish Sea is part of the marine areas of our Territory.
Where is ditidaht?
Ditidaht (meaning “people along the way” or “people along the coast” in their language) is a Nuu-chah-nulth nation residing on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
What indigenous land is Duncan BC on?
The Khowutzun Development Corp., has interests in forestry and Cowichan Tribes works closely with the City of Duncan and the CVRD on a variety of initiatives including water stewardship. Stz’uminus First Nations is the second largest nation in the Cowichan Region, with approximately 1,319 members.
What is the largest First Nation in BC?
Cowichan Tribes: BC’s Largest First Nation Community. We have been delegated responsibilities for a variety of member services including Children & Families, Education, Health, Housing, Membership, and Social Development. With 4,800+ members, we are the largest single First Nation Community in British Columbia.
How many First Nations are on Vancouver Island?
The 50 First Nations of Vancouver Island are located in three distinct tribal regions–Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl–the first peoples of Vancouver Island.