From healthy open forests of towering western red cedars, bountiful with weaving materials and first foods, to clean, sparkling coastal waters and tidepools, these are all elements of the environment integral to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw (CTCLUSI) identity and culture. Since time immemorial cedar canoes have been used as a foundation for travel and trade– a way to strengthen and build connections along the coastline. Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship Manager for CTCLUSI, spoke about canoe culture and how to safeguard it for future generations.