Hul’q’umi’num’ Language & Culture Society presents

Hul’q’umi’num and the Salish Sea

Hul'q'umi'num' name:

sweem

English Name:

horse clam

Scientific Name:

Tresus capax, Tresus nuttallii, and other species of Tresus

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Description

Description, Habitat, Ecology, Distribution

Two species of Tresus are commonly called gapers or horse clams and both are gathered for food. However Tresus capax is more frequently used by First Nations people than the related Tresus nuttallii. These clams are larger than all other clams in the area except the geoduck.

Language

Hul'q'umi'num' Name

sweem

Hul'q'umi'num' Name 2

sweemun (horse clam shell; Snuneymuxw)

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Featured Sea Life

qumine’ | abalone

qumine’ | abalone

The northern abalone has been collected for food from beaches at various clam beds. It was formerly available at Oak Bay.The beautifully iridescent inner shell material from various non-native species of abalone, including Haliotis rufescens (Red Abalone), has been used for decorative purposes. These shells were obtained by coastal First Nations through extensive trade routes.