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Sencoten: Legends and Stories

by Saanich Native Heritage Society

125 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-2213; ISBN 1-4251-0456-8; US$13.04, C$15.00, EUR10.17, £6.74

Sencoten Legends and Stories are the oral teachings of the ancestors of the WSANEC people. It is presented here today in booklet form for the use in the LAU, WELNEW Tribal School Primary and Intermediate levels.

About the Book

The mythologies of the people of the southwest coast area shared many features. Creatures from nature such as Raven, Crow, Whale, etc., were believed to have special powers and appear in various forms in the art of many of the tribes of the area.

All the stories entertained the children but often contained a lesson as well. A lesson, of respecting the land, sea and animals the legends are an important part of our life and were told for specific reasons, these would teach values and beliefs thru humor. Variations of a story from tribe would be adjusted to fit a specific situation or to teach a child a specific lesson.

Seeing and hearing our stories in a new context should motivate pride in our heritage.

About the Author

The information provided here comes from our respected Elders, of the Saanich Tribes, most of the stories and legends are provided by:

Story Tellers:

Violet Williams
- Octopus Story, 1980,
- The Legend of the Pigeon Story, 1980
- Racoon Story, 1976
- Mr. Beaver & Mrs. Rat, 1975
- Squashthun's Gum, 1980
- The Legend of the Star Men, 1980

Elsie Claxton
- The Legends of the Mermaids, 1975
- Mr. Crab & Mrs. Crab, 1975

Sarah Ann Bob
- Legend of the Whale, 1975,

Cecilia Jim
- Mr. Crow & Mr. Raven Story, 1975

Catherine & Sandy Jones
- Thunder, 1975

Alice Williams
- Mr. Beaver & Mrs. Rat, 1975

Saanich Elders:
Chris Paul
Philip Pelkey
Dave Elliott Sr.
Baptist Jimmy
- The Flood Story

Agnes Smith
- The Thunderbird Story

SENĆOTEN Translator/Interpreter/:
Earl Claxton Sr. - Tsawout Band
Ivan Morris Sr. - Tsartlip Band

Revised & Edited - July 2004:
Belinda Claxton - Tsawout Band
Funded by the First Peoples' Heritage, Language & Culture

Artist:
Gus Jimmy - Tseycum Band

Excerpts