06/12/2026
Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) are living reminders of the deep relationship between the Haisla Nation and the forests that have sustained them for generations.
Rather than cutting down entire cedar trees, skilled harvesters carefully removed strips of bark for clothing, baskets, ropes, canoes, and ceremonial items. The trees were left standing and often continued to grow for hundreds of years, healing around the scar.
These marks are not signs of damage, they are symbols of respect, stewardship, and sustainable harvesting practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge. Each scar tells a story, connecting the present to ancestors who understood how to take only what was needed while ensuring the forest would continue to thrive.
The beauty of Culturally Modified Trees is that they are still alive today, standing as living evidence of a relationship built on reciprocity, care, and respect for the land.
Charissa & Ethan ❤️