The Salmon People
Producer, Director, Writer 2002

Born and raised on the banks of the Cowichan River, Harold Joe grew up inspired by the stories, myths and legends as his elders recounted them. An important link to his past, Harold is now trying to ensure these will be passed on to the next generations of the Cowichan Tribe.

"Some of our stories and legends are being lost or forgotten. It is very important that they be preserved for the future."

This video, is a re-enactment of an old legend about why the Cowichan Natives are called the "Salmon People". The video explains how a fish spear was made and used, and how the fish were prepared and smoked.

The re-enactment, involving a sixty-year-old canoe and his five-year-old daughter, with the help of numerous friends and relatives, was a challenge. "I could see the pictures in my mind as I listened to my elder, Delmar Johnnie, tell the story. The hard part was how to capture the images on video. In the end, I think it came out pretty well."

This salmon river is fed from Cowichan Lake and passes through Duncan on its journey to the ocean at the head of Cowichan bay. It is a very important salmon river and has been a major food source for the Cowichan people for thousands of years.

 

View Trailer - 3:42