Attention, food lovers and community supporters!
A traditional Coast Salish pit cook demonstration is taking place at Camosun College’s Interurban Campus on Thursday, November 2nd.
Hosted by faculty and staff from Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen, everyone is invited to take part in this opportunity to learn about Indigenous traditions as well as participate in the shared feast!
The event will highlight how the Coast Salish Nations in the region use a fire-pit to cook camas bulbs—the root of a blue star-like flower that grows in Garry Oak meadows.
Locally harvested plants such as sword fern, salal, or skunk cabbage are cooked amongst the bulbs, which are tucked between the layers of these plants.
“The college hosts a number of events throughout the year to enhance and celebrate Indigenous student success and encourage community development,” explains Nancy Potvin Indigenous Special Events Coordinator for Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen.
“It is an honour to be able to host a pit cook to demonstrate how Nations of the region have used a fire-pit for many generations to cook the camas bulb.”
The Pit Cook event will include teachings from territory Elder JB Williams of the Tsawout Nation and instructor Nicole Kilburn from the college’s Anthropology department.
Also included in the event will be a medicine workshop and storytelling before the open pit cook and delicious meal!
Coast Salish Pit Cook Demonstration
- Where: Camosun College Interurban Campus, 4461 Interurban Road
- When: Thursday, November 2nd
- Start of the pit cook, medicine workshop, and storytelling at 10 a.m.
- Open pit cook and feast from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
