Products

PRODUCTS IN OUR GIFT SHOP

Coqualeetza operates a sales outlet providing First Nation arts and crafts focussed on Sto:lo artists and craftspeople, but not limited to. Other items include Coqualeetza publications, consisting of story books, and Sto:lo curriculum materials. The gift shop also carries beadwork, carving, prints, silver jewelry,

What's new?

Pacific blankets from the Swinimash Reserve in the USA, Fleece or Wool blend, beautiful selection of designs or animal scenery, come take a look. Prices range from $5.00 to $100.00.

Books: Our Story Books have been re-printed! Get your copies NOW while quantities last!!

The Upper Sto:lo people of the Fraser Valley have continued the tradition of handing down stories from generation to generation. Stories are important methods of reording our history and our teachings. The role of a good storyteller was important and the art of storytelling is being lost so today we have those stories in book form.

During the gathering of stories, Coqualeetza Staff identified trickster, origin, historical, naming, territorial and life experience stories as some story types needed for unit themes. Also stories which had First Nation teachings related to working together, ensuring safety and security as a basic need and right, relationships with nature, and settling conflict were discussed with community storytellers.

Some stories explain the wonders of Mother Nature and values which include lessons on behaviour. Others record the oral history of ones' family, community and events. Many stories were told to teach or reinforce concepts. Stories are teaching through the third person therefore never making the receiver of stories feel inadequate but rather gave him/her food for thought. Our books are part of the Sto:lo Sitel Curriculum - and are meant to be read to the children.

This is a tradtional story about a wonder of nature explaining how the Coho Salmon gets a hooked nose on it's way to the spawning grounds. The story is alive with the salmon's struggle. Theresa keeps your curiosity up as she tells this adventure story. The illustrations bring the underwater world to life; they also document the Coho's transformation. A brief biography of the storyteller completes the 28 page book. $7.50 per copy

The Story of Chehalis by Ed Leon I (Chehalis)

The benefits gained by cooperation between two bands/groups of people is the basis of this story. As the children listen to Uncle Ed recount the tale of how the Chehalis reserve came to be, they learn about the fascinating method of weir or trap fishing and about the custom of training young men to be "runners". This is an excellent story for introducing several customs but primairly the cooperative nature of the people is what is stressed. This 40 page book sells for $7.50.

Mr. Magpie and Mr. Crow by Chief Harry Edwards (Cheam)

Another popular story is Mr. Magpie and Mr. Crow. "Old Louie Squatats" passed the story on to Chief Harry Edwards. Today this story is printed for children and adults to read and remember the teachings of the Sto:lo people. Mr. Magpie and Mr. Crow's teachings include learning respect, learning rules and most important, learning to practice them. This 32 page book costs $7.50.

The Hunter and the Sasquatch by Dolly Felix (Chehalis)

The hunter in this story shows his courage and his respect for nature when he meets the Sasquatch. This adventure may surprise you in its teachings. Dolly's story tells, in a traditional way, about the nature of the Sasquatch. This creature, if treated properly, can gift a person. The young hunter, who shared his gift with others, teaches us another traditional lesson. The illustrations show us how Sto:lo people lived, hunted and shared long ago. Dolly's own life story is included with a picture. The photo shows her mischievous nature. The 24 page book retails at $7.50.

The Mountain Goat People of Cheam

A delightful story as told by Maggie Emery and Amelia Douglas. The danger of hunting without the knowledge of nature, is the lesson to be learned from this wonderful story told to us by Maggie and Amelia. A young hunter carelessly wanders over the treacherous slopes of Mt. Cheam not heeding the signs of danger until it is too late. It is only through strong family love that he is able to return home. The fine drawings were done by Peter Lindley, the Sto:lo artist who has illustrated all our books. At the end of the book we have included short biographies of our story tellers, Maggie and Amelia. The 32 book costs $7.50

The Mosquito Story by Dolly Felix (Chehalis)

George and James' Granny teaches them a traditional sotry about Th'owxeya. Th'owxeya the cannibal woman, steals children who stay out after dark. Th'owxeya exists in people's memories today, but so do the stinging mosquitoes that came from her. The story is an exciting adventure. As a special feature, a number of Halq'emeylem words are included along with translations. The ten illustrations make the story even more dramatic. You won't forget Th'owxeya! A picture and short biography of the storyteller follows the story. The 24 page book is $7.50.

Mr. Bear and the Baby by Ed Leon I (Chehalis)

Upper Sto:lo Elders tell their stories to teach an important idea. They are not simply myths or legends. They are a real part of our lives. When Mr. Leon first heard this story from his grandmother, it became part of his life. It is a story rich in life now as it was when Mr. Leon's grandmother heard it from her grandparent. As you read it, you will sympathize with the mother who loses her baby; you will follow the boy as he grows in strength; and you will be amazed at the widom of the bear. The colourful illustrations highlight the story. This book is 32 pages and cost $7.50.

A Story About Cedar Bark

Rica and Michelle, from Chehalis community school, learn from their Granny the traditional uses of cedar by the Sto:lo people. This story reinforces the strong belief that things of nature have spirits and should be treated with respect and honour. Although this story is part of the grade three curriculum, it will appeal to and inform people of all ages. This 36 page book sells for $7.50.

Brute and His Friends - bilingual

A story written by Dr. Joanne Archibald. This wonderful picture book is filled with photographs showing Upper Sto:lo children with their friends and their families. Work and play, learning and teaching are enjoyed by young and old together. The words in this book are few but touching. The story lets the reader of any age appreciate the book in his or her own way. 24 pages in this book costs $7.50

Teachings From Our Elders

A delightful collection of ancedotes by the Elders! The extent to which nature is inter-woven into our lives is readily apparent. In a time when ecological concerns are of such importance, this book cannot help but stimulate children's interest and cooperation. The actual words of the Elders are used, giving authenticity to the various pieces. Biographies and pictures of the Elders are included adding a personal touch to this collection. Sells for $7.50 and is 64 pages.

Upper Sto:lo Fishing

Fish has always been an important food source of the Sto:lo people. This illustrated book gives you a description of, and the use for, the various types of fish caught in the Fraser River. You will also learn about tradtional as well as contemporary methods of fishing. Finally, this book will explain the processes of cooking and/or preserving fish for later use, eg. wind-drying, smoking, barbecuing. Cost $7.50

Upper Sto:lo Plant Gathering

This booklet is a part of the grade 4 Sto:lo Sitel Curriculum Food Unit. The Upper Sto:lo people used many wild plants. They steamed some in underground pits; they boiled them in soups, and some were made into teas. Berries were eaten fresh or made into dried cakes and Indian Ice cream. During spring, summer and autumn, women picked plants in the forest, meadows, and marshes. They knew which parts to use and how to prepare them for storage or for eating. Enough plants were picked to store for winter. The book includes root vegetables, green vegetables, wild berries, wild fruit, Indian tea and wild honey. The book also includes a short story which tells of how plants were steamed long ago. This book is 44 pages and cost $7.50.

Upper Sto:lo Hunting

This book is part of the Grade 4 Food Unit. It tells of the ways Upper Sto:lo people hunted long ago. The book is divided into five parts. Part one is a short story about the first deer. Part two is a story about two boys going through the traditional stages to become hunters and of hunting methods learned. Part three has information about birds and animals hunted for food. Part four teaches a few survival skills. Part five is a wilderness game. This illustrated book is 64 pages and sells for $7.50.

Images Game

This game was designed for the Sto:lo Sitel Grade 7 unit and the secondary Sto:lo Studies program. It deals with the concept of stereotyping and is ideal for group participation. Cost $6.00

Game Game

A game of hunting skills places the deer and Sto:lo hunters in a struggle for survival. Players have to agree on the length of the "hunting season". Then the hunters see if they can capture enough deer to last a year. The deer try to escape the hunter's attempts. This game is best played with a large group. With twelve players the hunters have more chance to outwit the deer. A fact sheet is included with a traditional story explaining why the deer runs and stops to look around. This factual material was based on active research with the Coqualeetza Elders Group. Cost $15.00

Five Issues, Five Battlegrounds

Historian, Reuben Ware has produced a detailed and informative study on the history of Indian fishing in British Columbia 1850-1930. Five focal points of the history of Indian fisheries and five primary battlegrounds where these points have become major issues, are discussed. This study combines the emotional aspects of the problem with well documented materials. A very readable book for anyone interested in understanding the Indian fishing rights questions. This book is 323 pages and sells for $15.00

Upper Sto:lo Ethnobotany

This booklet is an ethnobotany of the plants and trees known to the Upper Sto:lo people of the Fraser Valley. The names are given in the Upriver dialects of the Halq'emeylem Language. The book lists the name of the plant in Halq'emeylem, English and Latin. The identification of these plants was done by the elders of this area. The most interesting part of this book is that it lists the food or medicinal value of the plants. The book is 64 pages and sells for $15.00

Salish Weavings

The Upper Sto:lo people are famous for their weaving. Long ago the weavings were made with mountain goat hair mixed with dog hair. Today sheep's wool is used. The blankets were woven with may beautiful designs, each with a meaning.
    Diamond - Love and understanding; peace and understanding
    Half Diamond - Passage of time
    Half Diamond Joined - Enternity
    Running Diamonds - Enternity
    Butterflies - Everlasting Life
    Thunderbird - Highest Power of Esteem
    Geese - Fly for Migration of Geese - symbol of plenty
    Lightning - Great power of wrath against evil
    Arrow - protection
    Arrowhead - Alertness
    Lighting & Arrow - Swiftness
    Zig Zag - Packstrap
    Sunset - End of a Perfect Day

Silver Jewelry

The silver jewelry in our gift shop is the work of Gilbert Pat of the Chawathil First Nation. He currently resides on Vancouver Island. His Sto:lo designs include the hummingbird, eagle, owl, bear, salmon.

Prints

Beadwork

Pins

T-Shirts

Moccasins

And much more, come and take a boo for your Christmas Layaways. Talk to Malila.