q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ (Kathaumixw) Defined

Listen to Tla’amin Nation elder Dr. Elsie Paul (pictured above) pronounce and describe q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ:  

The concept of q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ (Kathaumixw) began quietly in 1982, after Don James had recently taken the Powell River Boys Choir to an international festival in Wales and stood with Dal Matterson on a hiking trail overlooking the Malaspina and Georgia Straits, wondering aloud why there couldn’t be a festival of a similar calibre in North America. Don James, music director of the Powell River Academy of Music, was convinced not only that there could, but that it should be right here amid the beauty of Powell River; Dal Matterson, a mill executive, agreed on the spot to become its chairman. The two honed a mission statement and swore to stick to it. Thus was born the legend of q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ.

Inspired by the unique name of Llangollen’s Eisteddfod and wanting to underscore a strong sense of place, James was insistent that a word from the language of the Coast Salish people be used. Gifted to the festival by the Tla’amin Nation; q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ , meaning “a gathering together of different peoples,” became the perfect choice.

The change in spelling from Kathaumixw to q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ

Why the change in spelling of the word you are used to seeing as Kathaumixw?

Over the past couple of decades, there have been ongoing language preservation and revitalization efforts by Tla’amin Nation, along side their sister nations Homalco, Klahoose, and Kʼómoks. The written orthography of ʔayʔaǰuθəm (ay-ah-joo-thum) has shifted and has resulted in a standardized way of recording and spelling words using the International Phonetic Alphabet. A standardized alphabet helps to accurately record the unique sounds of the language, preserving it for generations to come.

The Academy’s relationship with Tla’amin Nation is important. As we create beautiful music and arts on their traditional territory, there is a great necessity and importance in uplifting and honouring their voice and language. Additionally, the name q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ is one that was gifted to the academy by Tla’amin. A gift of a name comes with many responsibilities, including one of mutual respect built and maintained through partnership and relationships. Updating the spelling is just a small step we will be taking to uphold this special gift.

The meaning is the same: 'A Gathering Together of Different People', and the festival is the same as you know and love. Over the coming months and years, we look forward to growing our relationship with Tla’amin, and to making continual improvements.

To practice pronouncing q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ (Kah-thigh-miew), or to explore more words in the ʔayʔaǰuθəm language: click on the link below to visit the First Voices website:
www.firstvoices.com/tlaamin/words/c22c1503-a6e8-48d5-a85e-93c1caadc367

The q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ Thunderbird Logo

The Thunderbird is the supreme bird of all birds. In the culture of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, myths state that the Thunderbird created land for man to stand upon. It uses lightning and thunder to protect man from supernatural beings and is kind and helpful. It sits upon the mountain tops, spreads its wings and protects all. The Thunderbird logo is an original design created for the International Choral q̓at̓ᶿaymɩxʷ by local artist William D. Finn. The theme has been carried through to our trophies for the children, youth and adult competitions. Mr. Finn is a hand engraver and has worked primarily in gold and silver.