Chapter 17 Summary

Shortly after the Christmas holiday, Caleb arrives in Kingcome for a visit. Mark welcomes him to stay as long as he wants, and Caleb in turn relates myths about the beginnings of the tribal communities. Many of the myths center on the cedar tree and Cedar Man. The coastal tribes used all the parts of the cedar tree to supply clothing, housing, transportation (canoes) and masks for dancing. Caleb also tells of his visit with a friend to an ancient Haida village, long deserted. They found many old totems and felt very much like intruders that were being watched. Caleb is afraid that this fate also awaits Kingcome, and sooner than the village expects.

Mark in return equates Caleb to the Cedar Man, a friend of the tribe that will support them and help the village to adapt in his lifetime. Caleb replies...