Full Description
Hul'q'umi'num place names, sites of significance, cultural history, and origin stories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation
Place names are powerful, and their significance extends far beyond words. Learning and embracing the original Indigenous phrases used to describe the world around us acknowledges the impact of colonization, recognizes First Peoples' ongoing relationship to the land, and honours their traditional way of being. In Snuneymuxw Mulstimuxw, Traditional Knowledge Keeper and respected Elder Geraldine Manson, C'tasi:a offers an extensive survey of the history and meaning of local Hul'q'umi'num place names and origin stories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Produced through a partnership between Snuneymuxw First Nation, Vancouver Island University, and New Society Publishers, this beautifully illustrated, full colour booklet gathers and shares the rich history of the Snuneymuxw's living landscape as passed down through generations from time immemorial. From how Xw'ulhquyum (Snake Island) and other sites of significance got their names to ancient stories such as the bringing of fire by Qeyux to the Tle:ltxw people, the cultural history chronicled in these pages provides a unique lens through which to view and understand nearby lands and waters.
In addition to the sacred cultural narratives distilled from the teachings of the Ancestors, Snuneymuxw Mulstimuxw delves into more recent historical events, told from the perspective of those who experienced them firsthand or whose families are still experiencing the intergenerational effects. This invaluable work is complemented by a series of maps integrating traditional Hul'q'umi'num place names into their present day context.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Snuneymuxw Traditional Lands
Journey of the Sarlequun Tribes
Snuneymuxw Matriarch Elders
Chief Viola Wyse, T'se lh wa la ga
Chief Mike Wyse, Xumcilum
Northern Boundary Place Names
Saysutshun Place Names
Sites of Significance on Saysutshun
Central Nanaimo Place Names
Nanaimo River: Sarlequun People Place Names
Five Villages along the Nanaimo River: Sarlequun Tribes
Gabriola Island Place Names
Historical Connection between Snuneymuxw, Gabriola Island, and Surrounding Lands
Origin of Fire
Gallows Point
Portals to Our Heritage
Xe:els, the Transformer
Coal Tyee, Ki-et-sa-kun
Treaty of 1854
The Pre-Confederation Treaties
St'lilup Images
Story of Snake Island
Maps with Snuneymuxw place names
Systematic Survey of the Nanaimo River Estuary
References
