06/02/2026
We were grateful to receive these hand-knitted Cowichan/ Quw’utsun sweaters and toques at the gallery today from Charles, Emily and Cathy Henry. Truly a wearable artform made from carded sheep wool
Considered a Canadian symbol — the sweater was given a national historically significant designation in 2011 — Cowichan sweaters have been gifted to dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II and have been worn by prime ministers from Diefenbaker to Trudeau.
Over the years, the sweater, developed through the intermingling of Coast Salish wool-working traditions and European techniques, has become a fashion statement.
The industry originated as a response to declines in the traditional Coast Salish economy after European settlement. Prized for their warmth and durability, many of the early sweaters were worn by military members serving in the First World War. Diaries from that time note that a Cowichan sweater was an easy way to identify Canadian officers serving overseas.
Sweater production would become a lifeline for many Coast Salish families. Cowichan knitters, often mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers, honour history while nurturing their families, skilfully passing down traditional craftsmanship as teachers of this cultural art form ❤️
