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

Hul’q’umi’num and the Salish Sea

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This page features all the sea life on this website. Each creature can be clicked for more information on language, cultural roles, science and technology, and stories. An additional list of sea life terms can be found here.

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Featured Sea Life

pune'q | pacific geoduck

pune’q | pacific geoduck

The geoduck (pronounced “gooeyduck”, reportedly from a Chinook Jargon term) is the largest intertidal clam in the world. Its neck and siphons (or “nose”, according to some elders) are so long that they cannot be withdrawn into the shell. This species does not occur in the Nanaimo area, but was harvested elsewhere especially during January. Hence, some people use this word to refer to the month of January.