Duck Spear

This was used by Khay-tulk to spear ducks from a dugout canoe in Coal Harbour early in the 20th century. A label nailed to the spear (almost certainly by first City Archivist, Major J.S. Matthews) reads: “Duck Spear from Capilano Indian Reserve. In presenting this spear, 1954, August Jack Khatsahlano (Kitsilano) said: ‘My brother Khay-tulk, or Willie, made it, maybe fifty years ago. Originally about 26 feet long, but it stood outside so long, the ends rotted off. Too long to bring in the bus, so I cut off about fifteen feet, and put the iron prongs back; the binding is cherry bark. Indians in dug-out canoes go Coal Harbour and sneak up on duck and spear him.’”