Latest news with #CoastSalish
Metropolis Japan
22-07-2025
- General
- Metropolis Japan
Ukai: The Ancient Japanese Art of Cormorant Fishing
Anyone who has ever cast a dry fly into a lake or stream knows that feeling. All is quiet, all is peaceful—then bam! A hungry mouth breaks the surface, the fly disappears into the depths, and the world becomes a thrashing primordial tug-of-war between worlds—man versus scaly beast. For hundreds of years, the Coast Salish people of British Columbia constructed massive weirs from willow trees to corral salmon as they migrated upstream to spawn. Hawaiian slings are designed to shoot their prey like an underwater bow and arrow. In the American South, brave noodlers stick their hands into catfish holes with their own fingers as bait. And in one small village in Scotland, flounder trampers walk into the shallows and simply step on their fish. Tickling, gigging, binning, gaffing, gillnetting, harpooning, handlining, seining, trawling, jigging—there might be even more ways to catch a fish than to cook one. Japan's Deep Connection to Fishing Bound by the sea and blessed with numerous rivers and streams, Japan has long been known as a nation of fish lovers, with different regions developing particular local cuisines along with unique methods for procuring a tasty catch. Ukai, the ancient Japanese tradition of fishing with tame cormorants, is surely one of the most unusual. Practiced in Japan for at least 1,400 years, ukai claims its origins from the Nagaragawa River in Gifu, where it endures to this day. The basic process involves tying loose wire rings around the long necks of the cormorants, enabling the birds to swallow small prey but causing larger fish to become stuck in the gullet. The fisherman, known as an usho, then pulls the cormorant back to the boat where he extracts the fish. The most sought-after catch is the ayu, a freshwater sweetfish prized for its delicate texture and flavor. While ukai in Gifu was once a practical form of obtaining fish to be consumed and sold, these days it survives for its cultural value. The traditions and skills handed down from parent to child through countless generations have led to ukai being designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan and formally recognized as Goryo Ukai (Imperial Cormorant Fishing) by the Japanese Imperial Family. A Spectacle for Lords, Warlords and Travelers The entertainment value of ukai fishing was also recognized hundreds of years ago by the Japanese elite. As far back as the Heian period (794-1185), lords and ladies from the Imperial Court in Kyoto gathered on a pleasure craft to watch the usho and their birds in action. The warlord Oda Nobunaga was also charmed by ukai. After seizing Inabayama Castle by the Nagaragawa in 1567 and renaming it Gifu Castle, he began to invite friends and loyalists such as Takeda Shingen and future shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to observe the cormorants and their masters at work, followed by banquets featuring their fresh sweetfish catch. Visiting Gifu Today: Modern Ukai Performances These days, a modern reconstruction of Gifu Castle perches beautifully, if ahistorically, atop Mount Kinka at a bend in the Nagarawa River, a picture-perfect backdrop to modern demonstrations of ukai. These ukai performances are held from May to October each year, drawing in curious onlookers from all over the world. Guests are taken out onto the river at dusk in long wooden boats, each tipped with a basket containing a blazing fire that attracts fish and provides the boatman and his cormorants with a light by which to see. If you are picturing a man and a bird linked by a single rope, think again. Each usho—clad in traditional blue shirt and hat to fend off sparks and ashes from the flames—controls his own personal fotilla of 10-12 cormorants like a master puppeteer, keeping a careful eye on the birds as they plunge underwater to catch fish. When I first witnessed it in person, the comparison that came to mind was not fishing-related at all, but of my father's hunting dogs in Canada, ranging out in front of him, searching for birds to flush out of their hiding spots. With flaming lanterns, dramatic scenery and trained diving birds, it is a wonderful spectacle unlike anything you will see elsewhere in the world. But at the end of the evening, as you sit down to your lavish post-ukai meal, it ultimately comes down to the simple pleasure of catching—and eating—fish.
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Museum of North Vancouver receives $400K to boost Coast Salish programming
The Museum of North Vancouver has received a hefty chunk of cash to continue its programming tied to local Coast Salish education and culture. BMO gifted $400,000 to the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver (MONOVA), which will go to education, hands-on activities and events related to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). 'We recognize the ethical responsibility that museums and archives have in deepening understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples,' said Zoe Mackoff de Miranda, director at MONOVA. 'Coast Salish programming and Indigenous storytelling are integral to the work we do towards truth and reconciliation.' The recent gift is a renewal of previous funding the museum received from the bank in 2021. Since then, the museum has been able to offer education through their school programming for elementary and secondary students. That has included Indigenous storytelling through exhibits, gallery tours and stories of local legends, learning about trees rooted in North Vancouver, and Coast Salish wool weaving workshops. The programs and activities are led by Indigenous cultural programmers through the museum, but also knowledge keepers, artists, storytellers and speakers with local Coast Salish ties. But BMO boosted the recent renewal by $50,000 after hearing the programming's impact. 'That's really how the majority of the funds are spent – creating space and then inviting in and working in collaboration with members of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh communities in particular, to share their culture, knowledge, gifts, share their language,' Mackoff de Miranda said. While the programming at the museum supports education and history, it also uplifts the people who share them. Jordan Dawson, an Indigenous cultural programmer with the museum and a member of both the Squamish Nation and Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw (Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribe), said leading the programs builds meaningful relationships with the community. 'We're lifting the community as well as our people and our knowledge holders, and we're building those connections in a good way, which is the most important part of the work we do,' Dawson said. 'Whether that's through programming or just myself and the community, it makes a big difference and creates a space where they want to be, as opposed to a space where we're just checking off that box.' On top of the Coast Salish programming bringing stories to life, Dawson is figuring out ways to share the Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish Language) in the museum. Dawson has recorded the pronunciation of place names, which can be played at MONOVA, and incorporates the language through tours for school groups and the public. 'A lot of the time, we have language posted, but we don't have an audio clip,' Dawson said. 'So it's really nice to be able to actually share audio of the language as well.' 'I know there's a big need out there for people who want to learn the language, but also just our community members ourselves in the Squamish Nation who still really want to learn but never had access to it their entire lives.' A private event was held at MONOVA celebrating the generous donation on June 19. Museum staff alongside members from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan and District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little were in attendance sharing the appreciation of BMO's renewed investment. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Tsleil-Waututh house post unveiled in downtown Vancouver on National Indigenous Peoples Day
Syewá:l (Ancestors), a house post carved by Zac George, is pictured in this image handed out by the City of Vancouver. To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day Saturday, a blessing ceremony was held for a new piece of public art that stands in the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver. The six-metre tall səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) house post, titled Syewá:l (Ancestors), honours local First Nations' relationship with the Robson Street corridor, which was historically used for hunting and gathering. The carving is also personal for its artist, Zac George Sko-Kay-Lem. It includes a portrait of his late grandfather, actor and poet Chief Dan George. 'When I learned there was an opportunity to place one of my carvings in the heart of Vancouver, I felt a deep sense of connection,' said George in a news release from the city. 'This land holds stories—my great grandfather spoke of a hunting trail that once ran through what is now downtown Vancouver. To see Coast Salish art re-emerge in these spaces not only nourishes us today, it honours and feeds our ancestors. I know my grandfather, Chief Dan George, would be proud to see our traditions standing tall once again.' The city explained that Coast Salish peoples traditionally carved house posts, as opposed to totem poles created in northern Indigenous cultures, which support beams in longhouses or mark ceremonial spaces, serving both structural and cultural purposes. Along with a depiction of Chief Dan George, Syewá:l (Ancestors) features a wolf head, the symbol of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and a female figure honouring the women and grandmothers in the artist's family line. There are events all over the Lower Mainland celebrating Indigenous history and culture Saturday. Read more about how to engage with National Indigenous Peoples Day here.
Vancouver Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
We found these 5 stylish sunglasses that are perfect for summer
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Sunglasses are an essential accessory, especially during the summer months. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists , there are a few things to consider when shopping for your next pair of sunglasses. In order to maximize sun protection for your eyes, consider a lens that blocks 99 to 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. Larger sunglasses, in addition to making a more dramatic style statement, can also increase the area of protection for your eyes. To help you select your next pair, we've rounded up five sunglasses that will see you through your summer adventures in style. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Designed in Montreal, these oversized acetate sunglasses are sure to add a dose of drama to your summer days. Available in a brown or grey hue, the XL shades can also be swapped out for polarized lenses for added glare protection. $169 | Bonlook Perfect for true designer fashion fans, these rectangular sunglasses from Chanel are a style that you'll wear for years (dare we say decades?) to come. Featuring a classic shape, the chic shades are elevated by gold-tone wire detailing around the lens and matching gold temples. $1,225 | Chanel An in-house offering from the Montreal-headquartered retailer Simons, these pastel green shades provide a fun pop of colour. Available in three shades, including this pretty pistachio hue, the '90s-inspired frames promise to provide 100 per cent UV protection (to match their level of 100 per cent style). $19 | Simons Featuring art by Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. on the temples, these polycarbonate sunglasses from the company Native Northwest provide sun protection while simultaneously celebrating Indigenous art. The Vancouver-based company, which was founded in 1983, offers a full selection of accessories, home goods and more. $23.99 | Native Northwest Elton John Eyewear Love Song Sun RX Known for over-the-top eyewear, it makes sense that Elton John's namesake collection of glasses would be full of fun and funky designs. Available exclusively at Specsavers in Canada, we love these round-shaped sunglasses from the line. The glossy black frames see added interest — and cuteness — thanks to a border of multicoloured miniature hearts. $249 | Specsavers
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
More work on this $2.8B Pierce County freeway project to start soon
Work to rebuild an infamously tangled Puyallup intersection on State Route 167 will pick up steam this summer, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. After decades of planning and more than $2.8 billion, once complete the Puget Sound Gateway Project in Pierce and King counties will add new connections to Interstate 5, the ports of Tacoma and the Sea-Tac Airport. There will be a new expressway between State Route 410 and North Meridian Avenue in Puyallup, a new interchange at North Meridian Avenue, two bridges and updated street surfaces and ramps, according to WSDOT. The project also will build a new paved trail between Tacoma and Puyallup that passes through the Puyallup Tribe of Indians reservation and features artwork by Coast Salish artists. The work will be completed in stages. 'The first stage of work completed the new Wapato Way East bridge and SR 99 roundabout in Fife. The second stage builds the expressway between I-5 and the Port of Tacoma. It's scheduled to open in 2026. Work on the third stage between SR 161/North Meridian Avenue and SR 410 began in 2025. Construction of the last stage between North Meridian Avenue and I-5 will begin in 2026. The entire project is planned for completion by 2030,' according to WSDOT. The improvements will improve freight mobility in and around the Port of Tacoma, WSDOT project engineer Tom Slimak told The News Tribune on Wednesday. Slimak said that would improve economic vitality in the region and make driving more efficient for passenger vehicles as well, which will see a new expressway. WSDOT will keep sending updates about road closures but anticipates some nighttime closures on SR 167 in the coming months, Slimak said. 'These projects have been a long time coming and the public's been waiting for it. It's pretty exciting that we're there. Lots of planning and effort to get to this point,' he said. 'It's rewarding at this point to be able to be building this and being almost done in 2029 … . after decades of preparatory work.' The entire Puget Sound Gateway Program project will cost $2.83 billion, which includes $2.44 billion of state funding, $213 million in toll funding, $144 million in local funding and $73.7 million of federal funding from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program, according to WSDOT. Here is a breakdown of the SR 167 program costs: Stage 1a: $55 million Stage 1b: $635 million Stage 2a: $265 million Stage 2b: $660 million Residents can learn more about the project and provide feedback online until Aug. 9.
