ṈIṈENE

As stated in Saanich Year...

ṈIṈENE- Moon of the Child. In our world this is the true beginning of the Saanich Year. The new moon signifies a change - our days growing longer. Nature, the moons and the whole world are being reborn.

Weather - This is the time the Earth starts to move closer to the sun once again. All the things begin to warm up; everything in nature is being reborn. Although the cold, winds and winter rains are still with us there are some good days and this is the first sign that a new year has begun.

Economic Activities - Some of the twine that had been made from nettles is now woven into nets to be used for the reef net fishery. Each family group had a responsibility to produce a certain amount of net for the fishery and these parts would later be assembled for use.

Although fresh food hunting and fishing were done, people mainly relied on the wealth of fish and game that had been stored for the Winter. For those who would take the risk, halibut fishing was available as the halibut had now returned to their traditional spawning beds. Grisle fishing was good in WJOPLELP.

This is the season that deer fawns are born and the coming moon is the signal to stop deer hunting.

Cultural Activities - The instruction of our children and telling of tales helps to pass the Winter nights. The longhouse ceremonial dances still continue.