First Nations Product Info

Caring for your Basket

When caring for your inner cedar basketry pieces, do not use any harsh chemicals, only a duster or small cloth to wipe away the dust. Presenting them in extreme elements or direct sunlight will shorten life. Do not submerge in water only damp cloth over to help with the dust.

Caring for your Carvings

Butterfly Plaque by Eddie Apodaca Front View

Most Northwest Coastal carving is made from the red or yellow cedar tree. Please don’t display in direct elements such as sunlight. This fades and discolors the piece. The cedar tree is great for carving but also susceptible to cracks. The pieces can get dusty and for best results use a slightly dampened cloth or soft duster, also for the pieces with deep lines a cuts aerosol cans that blow air work great, usually used for cleaning computer keyboards. Carvings made form cotton wood are durable and the wood dose not crack.

Caring for your Drum

A drum is referred to as the heart beat of the Nation. Looking after your drum and taking care of your drum will ensure it to have a long and beautiful life. Many drums are made from elk, moose and deer, with a wood frame. Your drum will not like being stored in a hot place or extreme temperatures, storing your drum in a cool place well ensure long life. If it goes from one extreme temperature to another it may crack. Oils prolong the life of the drum but are not always needed. Remember less moisture = higher pitch, cold drum = sounds flat.

Caring for your Feathers

Feathers can also be cleaned. Ones purchased from the cultural centre have been cleaned; feathers you find in the wild could contain bacteria or disease. The best thing you could do to clean feathers you find would be to wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent. With purchased feathers that get stuck together or start looking not so nice then hold it over steam to smooth it out. If you have them showcased together in a fan, you can shake them up so the dust will come off and bring life back in to your piece.

Caring for your Jewelry

For your jewelry care and cleaning follow these instructions. First of all store jewelry in a dry and clean place, jewelry cases are recommended and if only one box is used individually wrap jewelry in soft tissue paper, don’t mix all your jewelry together or it may get scraped by other pieces. Be careful when washing hands, not leave it by the sink to slip down. Don’t wear your jewelry while using bleach and chemical cleansers or while in the pool or hot tub. Ultrasonic cleans

Caring for your Pottery

Pottery pieces can get dusty and for best results use a slightly dampened cloth or soft duster. For pieces with deep lines a cuts aerosol cans that blow air work great, usually used for cleaning computer keyboards.

Caring for your Wool Articles

Traditionally most woven wool bags, blankets and scarves were not washed, but cleansed. Some Coast Salish weavings are machine washable on hand wash setting with Woolite. Be sure to find out when purchasing any woven items what the recommended procedure for cleaning is. For Cowichan sweater care use lukewarm water and wool soap or small amount of detergent can be used.

First Nation Snowboard Team

Of all the legacies expected from hosting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, some of the most inspiring are the programs encouraging Canada’s Aboriginal youth to pursue excellence in sport. A prime example is The First Nations Snowboard Team.

Talking Stick or Staff

The talking stick has been used by many First Nation people as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. When he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it.

The Dreamcatcher

When hung over your bed your bad dream are filtered through the web and dissipate into the Universe, your good dreams remain caught in the web and filter down the feathers. Some bad dreams are teaching dreams and they have presented themselves because there are teachings and messages that need to be heard. Dream Catchers works wonders with restless children.