There is a Snuneymuxw teaching that when a longhouse is built, the trees used in the construction should all be sisters that come from a single stand of cedars. Those entering the building will give thanks to the cedars for taking on another life as the foundation of a special gathering place.

The Snuneymuxw big houses were connected to their surroundings, forming a village for the people while remaining parallel to the ocean and embedded in the coastal soil. The houses in Departure Bay were built three rows deep during the height of the community's strength. Each big house was home to several families, who had their own area for storing food and utensils. They sometimes used a low partition of planks or mats for privacy. Dwellers would set up blankets, mats and skins on the raised sleeping platform, which was built around the outer walls of the longhouse. The fires burned in open hearths in the centre of the big house. Smoking fish and other kinds of food preparation were often done outside or in separate buildings.

Today, when events are held in the Big House, the community sits around the walls in family groups, in designated spots. The Elders and the dancers are given a place of respect at the centre, while younger people and guests from outside the community sit furthest back. The hearth is still the heart of the Big House.

The Big House is a physical link that connects the Snuneymuxw to their traditions. The people use the phrase "brought up longhouse" to refer to Elders who grew up living the traditional way of life in big house dwellings.