Longhouse Adventure
by Sarah Gertzen
Imagine yourself and a group of nine friends staying overnight together. You are now thinking ten people in the same sleeping area is going to be a disaster OR you're thinking this is going to be one heck of a great time. If you're thinking it's going to be a great time then please feel free to read on...
Now imagine going camping: you're not in your RVs though. I'm talking camping the traditional way. Intriguing isn't it?
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make stone and wood tools? Or learn cedar bark weaving? What about learning to cook with red-hot stones? I promise you that you will never look at camping the same again after spending your day and night with the Coast Salish native elders.
Not only will you be surrounded by the Coast Mountain Range, located near Vancouver, in Paradise Valley, but you will be entering the territory of the Coast Salish Nation with your First Nations guide. You will be given your own native name and live the traditional First Nations way. You and your friends will be divided into traditional families of Fishers, Hunters, Food Gatherers, Wool Weavers, Cedar Bark Workers and Wood Workers - you will each learn traditional tactics of living wild.
By wild I'm not meaning crazy, I mean no technology anywhere near you so you know how living outside of the 21st Century was for this First Nations culture and for many others. This is your inside scoop of the past. Who really needs a psychic anyways?
On your adventure you will learn not only how to cook with hot stones, weave cedar bark, and create stone-age tools, but as you are guided through the rainforest you will learn about the land and the foods it provides for you and the tribe. After a day of hard work you and your friends will indulge in a traditional salmon feast.
During the overnight adventure the elders will be sharing old stories and legends from the first nations people. You will sing traditional and sacred songs around the campfire and then fall asleep next to the fire - outside - with your friends. What better way to end your evening than laying amongst the stars and listening to the crickets chirping around you and the wind lightly grazing the trees surrounding your campground?
I promise you can't experience this anywhere else. Not only are the teachings and the tales worth it, but being back with nature seems to really be the punch-line. So take 24 hours, a group of really great people and escape from the concrete jungle and surround yourself with good people and great times. No better way to spend your time than in the great outdoors - the traditional way.
Important resources: Weather - Road conditions Dump stations