Lesson: Experiencing the Beach and “Xeel’s the Creator”

Lesson: Tiny Food

Nuc̓am̓at Module Overview

Lesson: “Tiny Food”

Our modules, co-created with Indigenous community partners, that provide experiential learning for middle/high school students.


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A Stz’uminus creation story weaves the interconnection between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere

Nuc̓am̓at

# How can Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓ language learning and ocean data help you explore the beach?

Explore multiple ways of knowing the beach environment with Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓* language, personal connections, and science. Experience the connection between the biosphere, hydrosphere, and Earth’s daily rotation through a Stz’uminus creation story and a journey with plankton. The concept of system sustainability is central to the learning in this module, also represented by the meaning of the Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓ word, *nuc̓am̓at* (pronouced NUTS-a-maat), which translates to together as one, one piece.

**The Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓ orthography (spelling system) used in this lesson is as recommended by the Snuneymuxw First Nation. For more information about the orthography and the relationship to pronunciation, please review this Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓ phonics webpage.*

**This module has been developed for BC Science Grade 9.**

Explore the concept of interconnected systems at the beach through “Xeel’s, the Creator” told by Squtxulenuhw (George Seymour) of the Stz’uminus First Nation. Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓ language learning is infused throughout this lesson, and sharing personal stories about the beach is encouraged.

Examine how syu’ilhtuns (plankton), some of the oceans’ smallest creatures, sustain many of the marine food webs, including species introduced in the Our Relatives at the Beach activity. Plankton demonstrate an amazing connection between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.



## Community Partners
The traditional knowledge in this module comes from the three First Nations upon whose traditional territory Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are situated on: Stz'uminus First Nation near Ladysmith and Chemainus, Snuneymuxw First Nation near Nanaimo, and Snaw’Naw’As First Nation near Nanoose Bay.

We gratefully acknowledge the collaboration and partnership of the following organizations and individuals in contributing to this module: Squtxulenuhw George Seymour (from Stz’uminus), yutustanaat Gena Seward-Wilson (from Snuneymuxw), yutustanaat (Mandy Jones from Snuneymuxw), Tannis Reis Calder, Shelley Gvojich, Ted Cadwallader, and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.


Caption: Map featuring where the traditional knowledge in this module comes from: Snaw’Naw’As, Snuneymuxw, and Stz’uminus First Nations

How can Hul̓q̓umín̓um̓ language learning and ocean data help you explore the beach?

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Community Partners