Victoria – One of the First Nations in Canada is the Squamish people. Their communities have a rich and colorful set of customs, beliefs, and traditions that have remained vital parts of the Squamish identity. A distinct aspect of their community’s heritage is that of the longhouse.
A Quick Background
The Squamish people are descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples. Close studies of the community’s language and cultural practices show some similarities connecting them to the Salmon peoples of the cedar longhouse.
Historically, it is said that the Squamish mostly lived in a hunter-gatherer system in the region’s geographical location in the south-westerly areas of British Columbia. Due to their location, salmon served as a staple food of the community with a corresponding annual ritual as well. Aside from this, there were bits of light agricultural practices noted.
In their language, Skwxwú7mesh Snichim, there is no direct translation of the term “nation.” So, instead of identifying themselves as the Squamish Nation, they simply use Skwxwú7mesh.
The Longhouse
The Squamish people take pride in their longhouse as it serves a central role in their lives. Traditionally, a community can have multiple longhouses. The posts, planks, and tiles are made of cedar. More than a family dwelling, the longhouse is a space for different ceremonies and traditions. Creating such an area is an aspect of the people’s ethnic lives that connect them to their ancestors’ practices.
Historically, each longhouse would be home to extended families. As the longhouse serves as an essential space for the community, it is no surprise that various life celebrations happen inside, where family members and other villagers gather together. With such a purpose, each longhouse seems to be a community in itself. For instance, families have the longhouse as a witness to the bestowing of one’s traditional name, a space for a memorial rite, and other social events that require a gathering of the community members. The space is not merely for physical gatherings but also spiritual ones. Thus, the longhouse is a sacred place for the native Squamish.
Modern Day and Change
Throughout the years and through massive development in Canada, the Squamish remained intact with their families. However, there is a dwindling number of native speakers of the Skwxwú7mesh Snichim.
The Squamish language is considered endangered as fewer fluent speakers are present in the community. However, some actions have been done to gradually help revitalize their native language, such as making the Skwxwú7mesh Snichim the official language of the Squamish Nation. Nonetheless, despite the decline of native speakers, the present-day Squamish members understand and value the importance of their language to their people’s entire culture. With such an idea, hopefully, the move to revive and preserve the valuable cultural components of the Squamish people would continue to flourish. For now, a bridge to the past is being strengthened. As tales of the Squamish history, beliefs, and practices are shared with the younger members, they remain relevant. From myths and legends to historical events, each story passed on from one generation to the next can help keep the indigenous culture alive.
Photo by Kevin Mueller on Unsplash, https://unsplash.com/@kevinmueller
