Coast Salish food and cooking: a taste of yesteryear

This article explores the rich traditional food systems of the Cowichan people, emphasizing the deep cultural, medicinal, and economic significance of food. Through conversations with respected elders and knowledge keepers, it highlights unique cooking techniques, such as pit cooking and bentwood box steaming, and the diverse methods of food preservation and preparation. It also illustrates the abundance of traditional foods, from duck hunting to fermented fish eggs, and the intricate trade networks that sustained communities. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of revitalizing these food traditions as a way to reconnect with cultural heritage and promote health.