Traditional Histories
Since time immemorial, Cowichan Elders have used traditional oral histories as a means of passing knowledge and cultural teachings from one generation to the next.  The Elders have told these histories to our youngsters since the time of the First Ancestors - they are our valued words.  The histories are repeated many times, when the children are ready to listen.  Some youngsters, whom the Elders observed listening carefully, were selected to become historians themselves, to receive special knowledge, and to pass on to the next generation in their turn.  This has ensured that important knowledge has been preserved unbroken over thousands of years.

People Who Fell From the Sky
The earliest Cowichan traditional histories trace our origins to First Ancestors.  Each First Ancestor fell from the sky to the earth at various places in Cowichan territory.

Some of our histories describe Syalutsa, a First Ancestor who fell from the sky to Cowichan lands with special powers.  He brought important practical knowledge for our survival and prosperity, such as how to build fish weirs and how to catch deer.  He also survived many challenges and adventures, thus earning important cultural knowledge about Cowichan ceremonies and spiritual practices.  Other First Ancestors arrived with Syalutsa, each adding to our people, history, and culture.

Collectively, the First Ancestors brought us our teachings, our sacred trusts, and our laws that have been honoured by many generations of Cowichan.  There are many Cowichan histories that tell of our times past, of brave and accomplished Cowichan ancestors of long ago, of wondrous deeds and creatures.  Many of our histories include moral and cultural teachings as well.  Some of the histories are passed along in certain families, and are amongst their most treasured possessions.

To learn more about Cowichan traditional histories, you can purchase a copy of the book, Those Who Fell From the Sky, published by Cowichan Tribes Cultural and Education Department and available at many bookstores or the Qu'wut'sun Cultural and Conference Centre.