Qapthut Siiye’yu Strengthening Community Through Culture and Connection
As a collaboration between our Uy’ama, Sta’tsup, and Sni’nuw programs, Qapthut Siiye’yu (family gatherings) have become a vital space where families from our Nations and neighbouring communities come together. These gatherings are about more than just spending time with loved ones, they are about reconnecting, learning, and sharing in a meaningful way through arts, crafts, traditional teachings, and cultural activities. Offered weekly in Snaw-Naw-As, Snuneymuxw and
Stz’uminus, the program is now taking off in Penelakut and has had trial runs in Malahat and Halalt.
A Place of Connection and Learning
One of the most beautiful aspects of Qapthut Siiye’yu is the intergenerational connection. Many children attend with their parents, caregivers, grandparents, and youth workers, excited to take part. These gatherings create a space where cultural teachings are passed down, and community members share knowledge across generations. Families don’t just take home their finished crafts, they also bring home new skills that they can continue practicing and passing down to friends and family.
Whether it’s cedar weaving, beading, knitting, or other traditional crafts, these hands-on activities help revitalize cultural practices and encourage creativity.
Beyond crafting, the gatherings are filled with fun and laughter. Children, youth, and Elders all join in on games like music bingo, crib, and even 10,000, a lively game that Elder Harry Frenchy from Stz’uminus was determined to teach KL staff. Families introduce one another to new activities, inspiring each other to bring them home for a slow Saturday morning with the kids or a fun gathering with relatives.
Elder Harry Frenchy from Stz’uminus proudly displaying his DIY dice, handcrafted from homemade playdough for the game 1000.
Rebuilding Community After COVID
Family Nights are also a way to heal and rebuild the connections that were deeply affected by COVID-19. Cecelia shares, “I know after COVID, it’s been really challenging for some of our families to break down those fears of being in public and being together again, so I think we’ve tried to provide an opportunity and a space to bring people together.”
From the moment someone walks into Family Nights, the goal is to make them feel comfortable and welcome. The program is entirely drop-in, recognizing that families have busy schedules. Whether someone stops by for 30 minutes to share a meal or stays for the full four-hour gathering, the space is open and flexible.
The Power of Song and Tradition
Some of the most powerful moments at Family Nights have been when the Canoe Life Family joins in with the support of Cultural Worker, Frankie Shaw. Traveling from Nation to Nation, they bring the heartbeat of the community through drumming and singing, opening the evening in a good way. One community member shared, “I felt really compelled to tell the Canoe Life youth how it made me feel listening to them drumming and singing last night. It hit me right in my soul, and I thanked them and held them up.” For the Canoe Life Family, these gatherings have been an opportunity to build confidence in sharing their culture. Bonnie expresses, “I didn’t get to learn our songs in our language or even how to drum. So, sitting here, I feel so good because I’m learning from them and singing their songs.”
Cultural Teachings and Wellness
Qapthut Siiye’yu also incorporates important teachings about wellness. Sherri Melendez from Snaw-Naw-As Nation shared her ginger turmeric shot recipe to support families during the cold season. These moments remind us that well-being and healing happens through connection, conversation, and shared experiences.
Cedar, an essential part of our traditions, plays a key role in these gatherings. Families and community members work together to make cedar bracelets, mini hats, and baskets. Even young children are learning the art of weaving, gaining an understanding of the importance and value of cedar.
What’s Next for Family Nights
This spring, our Qapthut Siiye’yu in Snuneymuxw will continue to grow in meaningful ways. In the month of Liimus, we are excited to introduce a Food Skills Program for youth ages 12-25 in collaboration with Nanaimo Foodshare. This initiative will provide youth with the opportunity to cook traditional meals, such as seafood chowder, while learning essential culinary skills, food preparation techniques, and knife skills through a cultural lens.
More than just a cooking class, this program is about empowering youth, strengthening their connection to cultural food traditions, and fostering confidence in the kitchen. The meals they prepare will be shared with the community as part of the Snuneymuxw Qapthut Sii’yu family gathering following each session - reinforcing the values of giving, sharing, and togetherness.
We are looking forward to this community program growing and changing to meet the needs of our communities. At its core, Qapthut Siiye’yu is about strengthening community. These gatherings reflect the traditions of our ancestors, where people came together to share, learn, and connect. Bonnie reflects, “Back in the day, our gatherings were where we got to know who’s who—who our relatives are. Through conversations with Elders and members, you find out who you’re connected to. Seeing that here today—children and adults laughing, babies and Elders together, it’s just so joyful.”
More articles and stories available in our 2025 Spring Newsletter