OUR VOICE

The chance for Nanoose First Nation xwulmuxw mustimuxw to bring light to their voice! Share a story about a trip, a journey, a conference, submit a poem, short story, pictures. We encourage everyone to become more involved in one way or another, and if this can be your chance to be heard, let it be heard!

Tribal Journeys Experience - Lawrence Mitchell

To coordinate the Snuxwulh arrival was a great experience, it brought forth good strength in meeting with all the resepected leaders of the community. Learning the snuwuyulh that goes with this tradition would be immense for the young children, if they grasp the true entity that lies within; will forever change the inactivity of our Coast Salish Culture. This year we erected our Grandmother Welcoming Figure to watch over the people that cross through our traditional territory, a strong presence will be felt; in one of the first steps in the resurgence of our traditions. Many men came from near and far to help bring life to this figure, as we walked with her to her new home in the beachfront of Snaw Naw As. We blanketed a siem sqwalstuxw Willie Seymour to graph the importance level of this colossal event, it brought forth strong snuwuyulh for everyone who listened, and raised spirit levels of a people with a smoldering culture to soon burn brighter than ever before.

As many snuxwulh came to the shorelines of Snaw Naw As we sang with all our heart to envibe the enlightenment and summit of a tradition shared by many up and down the BC, Washington Coastline and the people of the Salish Sea. As I listened to my own voice, and the voices of my people the pride level became immeasurable as we seen a pinnacle of light being shone upon our nation. Listening to our siemstuxw sulxwen speaking in our native dialect Hul’q’umi’num’ the power of our ancestors engulfed the beachfront empowering a nation in cultural descent.

Walking amidst over 500 people the strength that surrounded me empowered my thoughts to become more than what I am, it gave me the strength needed to fulfill my duties as a leader of my nation. Seeing over 20+ snuxwulh paddling to the shore latenight grasping the sheer thought of pulling from 11:00am to 10:00pm from Qualicum enlightened me to what my forefathers accomplished. I walked to and fro handing out bracelets to each of the pullers, made by our munu in our daycare center; the people coming off the beaches were delighted and captivated to receive a token from the infants of Snaw Naw As. As people were being fed and the volunteers were completing the tasks set before them I embraced the true nature and pride of a nation coming together to reclaim one of the past times of our forefathers.

FLOW - Woolode Gorup Edwards