Snuw’uy’ulh (Teachings)

In most “xwulmuxw” (First Nations) cultures, emphasis is placed on the importance of an individual in their environment and especially their relationship to all living things, and this knowledge is passed on to each successive generation through the oral tradition.

In the Hul’qumi’num tradition these principles of life/survival/co-existence is passed on through their snuw’uylh (teachings). Niwutum kwus hwun lhihw hwuw’tsust kwus s’uys stl’ul’iqulh, (it is you now, who shows them how to be a good child). It is also common belief in many xwulmuxw cultures that each individual is born with a special gift that will determine their role as an adult in the community.

“Sn’uw’uy’ulh” is an ongoing process that covers every aspect and phase of personal growth and development to ensure that a child/individual would grow or mature mentally xwqilusum (when they develop their thoughts, come to their senses) to xwqilus (are knowledgeable). From the holistic perspective each individual undergoes a developmental process that covers the mind, body, emotions and spirit.

The Hul’qumi’num language strategically incorporates family and community in the teachings that are intended for interpersonal relations. Interaction and communication being an integral part of the interactive process, net’nuts’uw’thwum’ (a visit with friends, family and relatives) was an important aspect of culture, but with the rapid pace of automotive mobility, visitations are now a matter of necessity rather than pleasure. In the area of co-operation snuw’uy’ulh (teachings) encourages tsitsuwtul (to help from the heart) without expecting compensation or anything in return. To willingly assist a neighbour is smet’hun ( a lesson of good character and pride).

Since fellowship and social order is important, it is common to give ni’wut (advice) to the young people, kwikwuntul (not to be fighting) and that is more favorable that they “tl’I’tul” (care) for each other. Therefore in caring for the children it is common to refer to our fellow tsa’lhwumuhw (fellow native people) as brother or sisters and proudly address them respectfully si’em’nu siiye’yu (friends and relatives).