Researchers from Simon Fraser University have turned to First Nations carvers to help them determine how many large western redcedars suitable for totem poles, canoes or traditional big houses are left in parts of Kwakwaka'wakw territory. Researchers say giant, culturally useful cedars needed by the Kwakwaka'wakw to carve large totem poles and beams for big houses are already rare. After examining thousands of trees, researchers found an estimated 347 large cultural cedars within the study area that meet their criteria. (Mark Wunsch)Industrial logging in the province has greatly reduced the number of large, old-growth western redcedars which are also highly prized by the commercial forest industry. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)As a result, researchers discovered eight characteristics, such as size, that make an appropriate tree for carvers.

Source: CBC News July 11, 2021 15:00 UTC