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The Snuneymuxw people were traditionally dependent on a food source of black ducks and herring in the early springtime. They used nets, snares, and spears. The black ducks were used for meat; and the feathers were used for traditional costumes. In middle springtime they moved to an island which is now called Gabriola Island to fish for cod and other fish. The tools for fishing were the U or V shaped hooks, a tool called shuttlecock, a fishing rake, and in rivers they used nets and spears. Throughout the year the Snuneymuxw people also harvested clams (littlenecks, butters, horse). Other seafood items like mussels, crabs, sea urchins and oysters were very plentiful along the Nanaimo River. In the spring and summer, plants were most abundant but they were also available in the other seasons of the year. People used herbs and edible roots, fruits, seaweed and green leaves for medicines and foods. They also collected berries in the spring, summer and fall. Harvesting of berries began in May and ended in late fall. Berries were eaten fresh or dried and then soaked in water before being eaten.
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Lifestyle: Yesterday Hunting, Harvesting and Tools
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