Cultural Values

The species presented here have all been observed at Xetthecum on Galiano Island. Each has specific and varied cultural values for the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples. These cultural values may include one or more of Food, Indicator, Medicine, Material, Trade or Spiritual.

Indigenous elders hold important sacred and spiritual knowledge regarding certain plants, animals and ceremonies of their people. This knowledge has not been included on this website, but will be passed down only to those with the rights and training to be able to receive it and use it safely and appropriately.

The cultural values of each species observed at Xetthecum are indicated using the icons described below. We share these values as iconography adapted from several sources. Listing the cultural values in this way allows those using the site to learn about the cultural significance of species, while respecting the sensitive nature of such information by refraining from making it explicit. Where we have shared knowledge in greater detail, we have done so only as openly shared by project contributors.

looking up from the base of a western red cedar — xpey’ – western red cedar

Cultural Value: Food

These species are an important food source. Example: the’wun - coho salmon

a coho salmon swimming — the’wun – coho salmon

Cultural Value: Material

These species are used in the manufacture of items, the capture or harvesting of other species, or used as something other than as food or medicine. Example: xpey’ – western red cedar was used to build canoes; an 800 year old cedar could be used to make four canoes.

leaves and cones of a western red cedar — xpey’ – western red cedar

Cultural Value: Indicator

The presence of these species indicates something, whether it be the presence of other species, a forecast (e.g. weather) or an event of spiritual significance. Example: the ripening of lila’ – salmonberries indicates the return of Swainson’s Thrush in spring.

leaves and flowers of the salmonberry — lila’ – salmonberry

Cultural Value: Trade

These species were traded for other items. Example: skw’lhey – little neck clams (and other types of clams) were used to trade for other items.

a little neck clam lying in the sand — skw’lhey – little neck clam

Cultural Value: Medicine

These species or portions of them are used as medicine. Example: q’ey’xulhp – cascara

leaves and berries of a cascara — q’ey’xulhp – cascara

Cultural Value: Spiritual

These species are a part of spiritual ceremony or hold spiritual meaning and significance. Example: yuxwule’ – bald eagle

a bald eagle flying across the water — yuxwule’ – bald eagle