As someone from a mariner culture that has a ancient connection with the sea and its creatures, reverence for the earth and specifically trees— I feel as if I’ve found a version of home on the other side of the world living in the Pacific Northwest with the indigenous Salish people and other First Nations tribes who were the original creators of the magic here, the wisdom keepers, and planetary guardians of the beautiful area I now live in Washington. The sea-based and aviary spirit animals of this area are also my friends- we share a tradition of aligning with the natural order of creation itself.

Haida Gwaii Island- the Eagle

The Crane — representing purity, wisdom, peace, longevity. Sacred to this area and this region and a guide to me as well.

Salish peoples- The Orca. I have felt a deep connection to whales, and specifically to Tilikum and Beluga whales from when I was a child.

The Western Red Cedar in particular is a tree the Salish and Canadian First Nations groups have developed a longstanding relationship with, call it “Tree of Life”, “Mother”, and it has been made into handicrafts, boats, tools, and other artistic and utility items.

While Salish and First Nations people have some community centers and small reserved areas dedicated to their culture, their longstanding spiritual, nature-based, and upholding of wisdom traditions in one of the most touristed and photographed areas where many people not indigenous to the area have developed their spiritual connection to themselves and the planet and felt inspired, invigorated and renewed doing outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, wilderness expeditions, etc— the support for the tribes of the land who fostered these spiritual journeys is almost entirely unrecognized financially. The land is fertile, fecund- wildlife lives in harmony relative to the rest of the country, the sea is clean, and nature has been cared for. Here are some regional centers that are affiliated with these groups that can receive recompensation, that also offer artwork and histories:

Museum Northwest Art

Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre

Suquamish Museum

Haida Gwaii:

UBC Museum in Vancouver

Spirits of the West Coast Gallery

I will be adding to this page as I receive more information on the best ways to contribute to the tribes who live here.