Guided by Quw'utsun Elders and family on unceded Quw'utsun lands and waters.
Q'ushin'tul' 2026 Day 1
Bright and early, we all rose with collective excitement for the day ahead. Joining in circle at the welcome signage at Xwaaqw'um, we all shared our names and lineage into the space, letting the ancestors of the land know who we all are. The walk began with four matriarchs venturing ahead of the group, asking the mountain “what does Hwmet'utsum want from us?”.
We were encouraged to find a rock along the way, with the intention of carrying the weight of someone’s burdens to be released at the top. With sacred Staff’s being held by the lead and tail-end of the group, we ventured slowly and steadily to the mountain top with the first hour in silent prayer. After multiple rest stops steeped in shared teachings, we reached the top and set up camp.
"The kind people are here" - Thuitsiye,
message from
the birds
After enjoying a sockeye salmon pi-kwun bbq, the group was encouraged to find a quiet spot in the forest or overlooking the peak, to release their stone burdens. As prayer songs echoed on top, many choose to continue to walk together and place their stones in concentric circles.
