For the 25th anniversary of the Quaaout Lodge, the cultural department will be working on building an authentic cottonwood canoe. The Skw’lax Elder’s Society located a tree on their traditional lands in the North Shuswap. This is a six-month program that will take place at the lodge’s canoe building site. The purpose is to share and learn the ways of the ancestors so their knowledge can be passed to the next generation. It is also an opportunity to educate guests, schools and organizations who are wanting to participate in this project. On Sunday, Jan. 22, a respectful tree ceremony was held which included drumming , songs by elder Ernie Philip and blessings.