The loom demonstrates the ways in which responsibilities were divided between the men and women in Snuneymuxw villages. The wood used to make loom uprights was gathered and carved by men, but the women spun and wove the wool to make blankets on those looms. Women were often skilled with canoes, and some, like Elder Ellen White, even learned to hunt. Most of the time, women were in charge of preparing the meat and fish when it was brought home. They were often focused on gathering plants and berries, harvesting shellfish, making clothing and blankets, and caring for their families.

Although men helped with harvesting, they were most often the hunters and fishers. Seeking animals for food demanded skill and respect. Hunters would cleanse themselves before leaving. Young men were taught well by accompanying their fathers, uncles and grandfathers before being allowed to handle points, hooks, arrows and, after the 1800s, guns. Some Snuneymuxw families continue to live from the land in this way.

When men went out hunting, it was tradition for the women and children left behind to keep quiet in the village. This helped to keep the hunters safe and bring them home. Speaking about plans to hunt could jeopardize plans if the animals were to overhear them - the word for deer in Hul'q'umin'um' is haput, and this was never used because the deer could understand and run away or hide. The word for deer in another language could be used, as it would not be understood. Women would help to guarantee the success of the hunting and trapping of deer, ducks and other animals by sitting silently with their looms, working quietly with the big balls of wool that they had spun to make into blankets.