How to say 'I love you' in Hul'q'umi'num'

Sharen Hobenshield wearing a grey scarf and black jacket, in front of coastal carvings in the background. — “There are things that just don’t translate in an English, western dialect,” says Sharen Hobenshield, Kw’umut Lelum Foundation’s Executive Director. Photo by Rae-Anne Guenther.

Kw’umut Lelum Foundation is selling cards and e-cards that celebrate Valentine’s Day and support and encourage Indigenous language revitalization, such as learning how to say “I love you” in Hul’q’umi’num’.

A brief introduction into Kw’umut Lelum Foundation and an introduction into how to say a few phrases in Hul’q’umi’num’. Video by Rae-Anne Guenther

‘I love you’

These Valentine’s are available at several locations across Nanaimo, and the virtual e-card is available online.

The cards feature original artwork by Indigenous youth Benson Nelson, of Snaw-naw-as and Nuxalk Nation. The card shares how to say “I love you” in Hul’q’umi’num’ – the language of the Coast Salish founding nations of the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation.

The Kw’umut Lelum Foundation is a new initiative that is B.C.’s first Indigenous owned and led community foundation that is meant to provide cultural, economic, social, educational and recreational access for Indigenous children and their families.

If you would like to support the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation, you can find all the information on where to buy on Vancouver Island or purchase online here.