Our Family

Explore knowledge, words, images and teaching about our family.

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In the spirit of language reclamation and preservation, use the “listen” function throughout this site to hear the X̄á’islakala language pronounced out loud.

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Our Ways of Knowing and Being

Family is so important! Our families help each other, sharing food and possessions, time and advice. We take care of our elders and are obliged to set a good example for our children, including our siblings’ kids, who we consider our own.

A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered outdoors near a wooden building in a rural area. Some are standing, and others are seated.
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Treasure Our Language

Language revitalization and preservation is very important to us. Treasure X̄á’islakala, learn about the words related to our family, and how they are pronounced by our fluent speakers.

For access to a more extensive collection of vocabulary, visit the Haisla LanguageCloud living dictionary.

A document is also available with tips on hearing the sounds and sound combinations of x̄á’islak̓ala, so that you are able to speak, learn, and write-out the language more easily and accurately.

X̄á’islakala Reading and Writing Tips

Listen to Our Song About Family

We have been passing on our stories and teachings through song since time immemorial. Composer Shelley Bolton writes about the interconnection between the strength of family and the strength of community, and how our braid is a symbol of that strength.

henéms q̓áalexʷs x̄á’isla
X̄á’isla Braid Song
By Shelley Bolton

Person in traditional attire, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and holding an item, stands indoors with another similarly dressed person partially visible behind.

Enjoy Haisla Braid Song with Dancing

Our Haisla Braid Song is performed by Haisla Braid Group, as they celebrate the braid, representing the building of the strength of our family and community. Singing, dancing and drumming honour our heritage and our oral tradition.

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Enjoy Our Gallery of Images

Learn more from our art and photographs. We thank Cassidi Bolton and Shelley Bolton for sharing their photographs and knowledge to help create the descriptions.

Click to enlarge and read more.

An elderly woman sits between two children wearing traditional attire, all smiling and looking at a piece of art.

Our mamá’u or grandmother is the head of the family, and shares guidance and knowledge. She takes on a parental role and shares a special bond with her cuxʷλema or grandchild.

A woman in a headscarf and apron stirs a large pot outdoors while a young boy watching smiles.

’Our ’búkʷ or mothers guide us, provide for us, and are day-to-day carers. As wísems x̄ʷenúxʷ or sons, we learn traditional ways of being on the land so it is not lost.

An older man and woman sit outdoors on logs with chopped wood and glass bottles around them, with snowy mountains in the background.

As a yau or married couple, we are a support system for each other, are responsible for each other and for the growth and development of our children.

A woman holds a baby who is sucking on their hand. Both are looking in the same direction with a neutral expression. Black and white photo.

There is nothing quite like those early months and years when a special and profound bond grows and deepens between a ’búkʷ or mother, and her bibí or baby.

Four children sit on outdoor steps, three boys and one girl, with one boy holding a banana. All are casually dressed, wearing t-shirts and pants.

Whether siblings of the same gender/w̓aq̓ʷá, or opposite gender/menáis’ut, we learn from one another, teach each other how to get along and work together. When parents are no longer with us, we keep family connections strong.

Four people standing together indoors, with one person placing their hand on their chest, and the others standing with neutral expressions.

Whether siblings of the same gender/w̓aq̓ʷá, or opposite gender/menáis’ut, we learn from one another, teach each other how to get along and work together. When parents are no longer with us, we keep family connections strong.

Two people outdoors, one child in a green jacket and pink hat, the other in a black hoodie, working together to weave or tie something with natural materials.

In a matrilineal social system, our ’búkʷ or mothers guide us, provide for us, and are day-to-day carers. As ḡenéms x̄ʷenúxʷ or daughters, we are responsible for the principles of nosta, to listen, learn, and acquiring knowledge in preparation for a leadership role in the family.

A group of eight people, including a young child, posing indoors with festive decorations and framed pictures in the background.

An ’aup or father wants nothing more than to provide for his sásem or children, and share his experience and knowledge to prepare them in life.

A group of people, including adults and children, smiling and posing inside a room decorated with framed pictures and various items.

Our babá’u or grandfather is a second parent, and shares wisdom, skills and guidance with his cucuxʷλema or grandchildren through life.

An elderly woman wearing glasses joyfully holding a smiling baby girl on her lap, both in a cozy indoor setting with greenery visible outside.

How wonderful for a ḡáḡap̓id or great-grandparent to be able to spend time with and get to know and love their cuxʷλemaxid or great-grandchild!

A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered outdoors near a wooden building in a rural area. Some are standing, and others are seated.

Our uisda or family helps each other, sharing what we have and what we know. We take care of our elders, set an example for our children, including our siblings’ kids.

Two shirtless people, one adult and one child, balance on a fallen tree over water with trees in the background.

We take our híɫaqa or cousins as our siblings, to be there for each other, to teach and learn from each other and also have fun together!

Listen to Our Stories About Family

Enjoy an episode of the DIG THIS archaeology podcast, where Candice Wilson, Environment Manager with X̄á’isla Nation, and the hosts reflect on what it means to be a mom, how having kids brings meaning to work in general, and to their work with heritage.

Dig This podcast - Episode 8: “Mum…no “Mom” is the Word!

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Watch to Learn More About Family

We hope you enjoy our Oolichan Educational Module 8: “Liquid Gold." The intergenerational sharing of knowledge and family traditions are extremely important to us.

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