Cultural Connections
Around one thousand spotted owls once called the Indigenous lands now known as British Columbia home. They flew through the mossy and misty forests of the Coast Salish, St’át’imc, and Nlaka’pamux peoples who honoured and revered their existence in the balance of the land.
​
Each First Nations community has their own connection to the spotted owl, but these connections run deep in their hearts, teachings, and traditions.
When Indigenous people see an owl, they believe an ancestor is speaking to them and sending a message. They are “messengers” for the health of the forest. While some commonly call these beings “owls,” each nation has its own traditional name for its flighted relatives.
In Western science, people say that spotted owls are an “indicator” and “umbrella” species because their health reflects the health of the forest and protecting them protects a whole ecosystem. This understanding of the spotted owl's role has been embraced by Indigenous communities for generations.
British Columbia consists of 200+ recognized First Nation communities with more than 35 First Nation languages, representing more than half of all First Nation languages in Canada. Just as each community has its unique language and heritage, each species of owl has distinct and diverse vocalizations. For spotted owls, over 13 different kinds of hoots, whistles, chittles, honks, and barks have been identified. Females have higher-pitched voices than males. Each sound carries different meanings across the forest, from signalling a potential nest site to their partner to warning and defending a territory.
Indigenous identity and traditions are intricately connected with cedar, a pillar in old-growth forests for spotted owls. Ancient, hollowed trees provide shelter for bears as winter dens, nurse logs for new plants, and nest sites for birds like the spotted owl. Traditional medicines grow at the base of the ancient cedars, a gift since time immemorial for all people to share, respect, and care for.
Indigenous people believe cedar trees hold the spirit of past ancestors, standing strong and being witness to generations of time. They use cedar for carving canoes, totem poles, face masks, rattles, paddles, tools, clothing, cleansing, or blessing for traditional healing. Northern spotted owls primarily nest in western red cedar and Douglas fir. All the owls at the NSOBP nest in stumps filled with cedar mulch gathered and prepared by our staff.
The significance of the spotted owl goes beyond scientific data.
Recognizing the history, stewardship, and cultural connections is key to understanding their entire story and struggles.
Through consultation and mutual understanding, we can more holistically support their recovery and appreciate the role of spotted owls for other wildlife, forests, and people. The First Peoples’ Map of BC is a great resource where you can learn more about Indigenous languages, arts, and cultural heritage.