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Our ancestors were part of the Coast Salish Hul'qumi'num-speaking tribe that occupied the area surrounding the Georgia Strait. Five local groups were situated within this area. One was seasonally located on what is now named Departure Bay; the other four being situated on the mouth of the Nanaimo River. Although separated from the larger group the Departure Bay house was the chief decision maker concerning the entire community. The oral tradition of our nation was the very foundation upon which our community functioned as a working society and the result is a virtually non-existent record of the traditions and customs of our ancestors. This scarce understanding of our past has had a visible effect on today's youth and adults who were never given nor accepted their obligation to continue our native language and traditions. Our culture, unfortunately, has undergone a drastic change in regard to the traditional teachings. No longer are the youth taught the oral tradition, rich in customs and how to relate to the world surrounding them. Our ancestors lived an egalitarian lifestyle relating almost every aspect of livelihood to co-operation and teamwork both communally and with near-by communities. This method of livelihood had the most efficient effort and maximum result. By combining work efforts, trading and involving outside groups to commune with they were simultaneously exchanging cultural, economic and political ideals. The Snuneymuxw nation can be defined by the culture established by its ancestors. By understanding the past culture, the Snu Ney Muxw people can use this as a tool to work towards the goal of cultural awareness. One icon of the cultural past is the petroglyphs that our ancestors worked into sandstone. Found within the entire traditional territory these petroglyphs represent a rather perplexing set of questions. Questions such as When they where made? What do they mean? And why were they put there? Together we can bridge the gap between yesterday and today for a brighter future and a brighter existence. |
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Culture Yesterday
This carved mask of Coast Salish design combines both wool and cedar wood. The age of the piece is unknown. |
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