History and Folklore of the Cowichan Indians
The War Song

This great snake, Stimqua, fell into the harbour, and the people were so alarmed that they did not know what to do.

“Come, let us kill this monster, and he will be in our power.”

So the brave men of the tribe got into their canoes and surrounded the snake and killed it, and dragged the huge monster to the foot of the Cowichan Mountain. The rope was made of cedar bark. This is the song that was made to commemorate the event: The spear that killed Stimqua was poisoned with his blood, and his spirit came on the people.

Song—

Only sung when going to battle:

If we only shake our spear at you
And shout “Whow!” you die.
We are the Cowichans,
Stimqua is our power.