Research Report Canadian Journal of Archaeology/Journal Canadien d’Archéologie 34: 240–264 (2010) † Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University and I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd.(now Stantec) #13–6782 Veyaness Road, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8M 2C2 [ahickok@sfu.ca] ‡ Traditional Tribal Specialist, International Institute for Child Rights and Development (IICRD), University of Victoria and former Aboriginal Liaison Oficer, University of Victoria; Coast Salish (Nanaimo/Cowichan) § Former Chief of Qualicum First Nation and Hereditary Pentlatch Chief; Coast Salish (Pentlatch/Qualicum) £ I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd. (now Stantec) Abstract. At S’oksun (Deep Bay) and Tsey- cum (Patricia Bay) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in traditional Coast Salish territory, recent archaeological investiga- tions have yielded two intriguing interment features dating from the late Middle Period. The posture and grave associations imply these were important and powerful women within their communities—quite possibly shamans. The presence of quartz with both interments alludes to this potential as quartz, quartz crystal and quartzite have been clo- sely linked with shamanism throughout the world. Among Coast Salish peoples, quartz is also associated with weather control and clairvoyance. Cultural continuity is well established in the region; these interments suggest the deep antiquity of some facets of the Coast Salish belief system, which is still extant and experiencing resurgence today. Résumé. À S’oksun (Deep Bay) et Tseycum (Patricia Bay) sur l’île de Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, sur le territoire tradi- tionnel des Salishes du Littoral, des fouilles archéologiques récentes ont identiiées deux caractéristiques d’inhumation intrigantes datant de la in de la Période Moyenne. La posture et les objets associés aux tombes suggè- rent qu’elles étaient des femmes importantes et puissantes au sein de leurs communautés - très probablement des chamans. La présence de quartz dans les deux enterrements fait allusion à ce potentiel, puisque le quartz, le cristal de quartz et le quartzite ont été étroi- tement lié avec le chamanisme à travers le monde. Chez les peuples Salish du Littoral le quartz est également associé au contrôle de la météo et à la clairvoyance. La continuité culturelle est bien établie dans la région; ces inhumations suggèrent la profonde antiquité de certains aspects du système de croyances des Salishes du Littoral, qui existe encore à ce jour et connait une résurgence. Blessings of the Morning Sun Tsi tuqw Siem, Hychka for the blessings of the morning sun Hychka for the Songs which bring strength and protection Hychka for the Ceremonies which protect, sur- round and have been driven by the Voices and teachings of those who passed before Hychka to the Old People who carry the teach- ings of ages past In this way we are protected and prepared for the future With great blessings to our Ancestors and to Tsi tuqw Siem Behold today is a New Day! – A prayer to protect the People and honour the Ancestors, by Xale- math, William A. White (Nanaimo/ Cowichan), 2008. Mortuary Evidence of Coast Salish Shamanism? Andrew W. Hickok † , William A. White (Xalemath) ‡ , Kim Recalma-Clutesi § , Steven R. Hamm £ , and Hayley E. Kanipe £