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The background of this icon is a weaving made my my gg Aunty Skwetsiya Harriette Johnnie

Talking with Grandmothers

Exploring Current and Historical Family and Culture on the

West Coast of British Columbia

Hello, how are you?

NÚ, CHEXW MEN WA HA7LH?

gallery.

The video above, by Harlan Smith (The Coast Salish Indians of British Columbia, Harlan Smith, ca. 1928 Canadian Museum of History, 16-0400-0008), depicts some of the activities of daily living that would have taken place on the west coast, as well as other places, before colonization. Fishing, weaving and dancing, gathering food and supplies were integral parts of life for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and other Indigenous people who lived off the bounty of the land.

My Aunty Harriet (Skwetsiya Harriette Johnnie) is shown in this film not only preparing her wool with her spindle whorl for weaving but she is also shown working on a large weaving as well as a cedar hat.

Click on the links below to be introduced to some of my ancestor family members. Although we are separated by time, they feel very close to me still. You can also learn about the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and other Nations today, and how people continue to regain and live the way of our ancestors.

Visit the links below to learn about my family, view resources, join in a smudge,

and take part in many other virtual and interactive learning activities.

This page is always being updated, so check back often!

Do you have an idea for a link? Please send it along.

We gratefully support Indigenous business!

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Gallery Menu

	Read an interview with Siamelaht and learn the legend of the Sisters. I feel very fortunate to have this documentation which not only tells us about the inside of my ancestror Granny's house, but describes some of our family as well.	We are fortunate to have so many records of Siamelaht. It makes me feel so close to her, although we are separated by 20 years. Read her testimony here, and that of her daughter, my gg Grandma Annie in the Attorney General of Canada and City of Vancouver vs. Alfred Gonzalves, Case on Appeal, from 1925. Photo is from our family collection.
Siamelaht (also known as Celestine, Aunt Polly, and Mrs. Chief Harry), Loretta Williams, Mrs. Rose Williams, Marjorie Williams Paul. Front row: Sophie and Jimmy Frank at Eslhá7an. Eslhá7an is a Squamish village community located on the shores of North Vancouver. The Squamish name Eslhá7an translates as head bay, denoted what used to be the farthest out reaching bay enclave in the Burrard Inlet. Source: North Vancouver Museum & Archives, #7120	Siamelaht had two sisters. Sally xwaywát was born about 1841 in Yekw'apsem and (Henriette (Harriet) Hakstn) -Skwetsiya Harriette Johnnie was born about 1843 in Yekw'apsem. Photo Harlan Smith, 1928 Canadian Museum of History, 71524 - Harriett is showned weaving in the film above, and Sally was the mother of August Jack.	View my "Ancestry: Art of Belonging" Art Exhibition here. Available for booking in 2023 and beyond.
August Jack Khatsahlano Painted by artist Minn Sjolseth in 1967. August Jack was the 5th child of Sally xwaywát and Supple Jack Xitel'k. August Jack is one of my cousins. From the collection of Cory Leblanc.	We are so grateful to have this record. This online publication contains diagrams and maps and descriptions of people and places. I have learned so much about my family on these pages.	Learn more about the Squamish Nation today on the website.
Here you can purchase a digital copy of this issue.	Read and view the stories of Chilean settlers who married into our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh families. All of the photos are from our family collection.	Warp, Weft, Weave: Joining Generations talks about my further search for my family and how I came to adopt the craft of Salish Weaving. Link to purchase the digital version: https://www.zinio.com/ca/british-columbia-history-m34526 You can also download the ZINIO app from iTunes and Google and get the magazine that way too.
How are we related? I'd love to know!

Family

	George Jeffrey's Virtual Smudge Participate in this short Smudge.	James Quatell's Virtual Candle Teaching Participate in this Candle Teaching with James Quatell and learn how to do it yourself. This is my favourite thing to watch when I am run-down or stressed. It brings my feet back to the ground. Please share it with anybody you think would benefit from this teaching.
Gene Harry's Virtual Grief and Loss Teachings Virtually participate in this good medicine. 6 min.	Weaving Knowledge into The Future Learn about Salish Weaving the same way I did, being taught by Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph and Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George	Learn to Speak and Write the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Language Use flashcards to listen and learn how to speak and write the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Language. Suitable for all levels of learners!
"Indigenous knowledge...isn’t just stories. It’s not legends. It’s real history,” Join the Whistler Public Library as they speak with Professor Dr. Rudy Reimer. This is such an important conversation to have.	Good Medicine "The Good Medicine Initiative is a series of online articles and posts that highlight the strengths we possess as Indigenous people."	How To Say Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
"...unlearn, learn and relearn from Squamish Elders..." "M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Society M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Society transforms leadership and organizations with experiential training grounded in Squamish teachings and history. We work with organizations who want to activate decolonizing practices, indigenization and commitments to reconciliation."	An Language & Arts Society Learn about SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH life and language!	Learn about Indigeous History in this free Coursera Course Learn about Canada's history from the Indigenous perspective in this free course from the Universtity of Alberta. Easy access to important information.
Activities and Games At the Simon Fraser Univerity's Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, teachers, students and the general public can play games, learn how to make baskets and download colouring books.	Squamish Thunderbird Learn more about the Squamish Nation today on the website.	Theytus Books Find books by Indigenous authors. Indigenous owed. K-12 and University Teachers, look here!
Curriculum, All Grades: THE HISTORICAL THINKING PROJECT "The historical thinking framework promoted by The Historical Thinking Project revolves around six historical thinking concepts: historical significance, cause and consequence, historical perspective-taking, continuity and change, the use of primary source evidence, and the ethical dimension of history. These concepts have been integrated into the curriculum guidelines in a number of provinces and territories across Canada."	Support for your Indigenous Business Are you an Indigeous business looking for some connection?	APTN The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network is a Canadian specialty channel.
IndigiNews Where your stories are heard, understood and respected.	First Nations Health Authority Learn about Traditional Medicine, Wellness and the History of Health in the First Nations. This website contains tips, guides and resources.	Learn about North Vancouver then and now. "North Shore Culture Compass is a free online map that visualizes the rich cultural landscape of the Lower Mainland’s North Shore. An accessible navigational tool featuring key information about points of interest, the Culture Compass encourages local residents and tourists alike to connect with the arts, heritage, and stories that make this region so vibrant."
Virtually Visit the Bill Reid Center Learn about all of the NorthWest Villages with online Exhibits, the ímesh Mobile App and other multimedia explorations.	Learn about Canoes. Learn about the different types of canoes through this Simon Fraser University Slide show.	NorthWest Coast Rattles In this slide show from Simon Fraser University, view some of the rattles housed in various collections today.
Cedar Boxes Learn about Northwest Coast cedar boxes in this slide show from Simon Fraser University.	Eliza Firth’s 'Delta Rose' mask will be on display as part of the Breathe Adding beauty to the pandemic. Read about a new exhibition opening in October 2020.	View and visit art works by Kent Monkman Visit SHAME AND PREJUDICE A Story of Resilience — By Kent Monkman DATES August 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021 at the University of British Combia's Museum of Anthropology. For me this image in particular is so powerful as my Grx2 Grandmother and her sister were taken to St Mary's residential school at the age of 3, and they remained there until age 13, only visiting their home once during that time.
Learn How To Make A Totem Pole From trees, to their significance, learn about NorthWest Coast Totems.	The Indigenous Knowledge Social Network Learn how one community is using technology to stay informed. SIKU is a mobile app and web platform by and for Inuit which provides tools and services for ice safety, language preservation and weather.	Virtually Explore View the Indigenous Collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
Repatriation Handbook Download the Repartriation Handbook written by Jisgang Nika Collison, Sdaahl K̲’awaas Lucy Bell, Lou-ann Neel from the Indigenous Collections and Repatriation Department of the Royal BC Museum and the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay.

Participate

Video Presentation 2023 Video Presentation 2023	Video Presentation (2021)
Resources for Teachers from the BC Historical Federation	The Vancouver Sun 4 Jun 1921 Read an interview with Siamelaht and learn the legend of the Sisters. I feel very fortunate to have this documentation which not only tells us about the inside of my ancestror Granny's house, but describes some of our family as well.	George Jeffrey's Virtual Smudge Participate in this short Smudge.
James Quatell's Virtual Candle Teaching Participate in this Candle Teaching with James Quatell and learn how to do it yourself.	Conversations with Khahtsahlano, 1932-1954 We are so grateful to have this record. This online publication contains diagrams and maps and descriptions of people and places. I have learned so much about my family on these pages.	"Indigenous knowledge...isn’t just stories. It’s not legends. It’s real history,” Join the Whistler Public Library as they speak with Professor Dr. Rudy Reimer. This is such an important conversation to have.
Learn to Speak and Write the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Language Use flashcards to listen and learn how to speak and write the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Language. Suitable for all levels of learners!	How To Say Sḵwx̱wú7mesh	Taking Reconcili-Action In July 2019, three BC students travelled to the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nation’s traditional territory to learn what reconciliation really means, and how we all have a part to play in creating a more inclusive and respectful Canada. What does it mean to be an Indigenous person living in Canada? How are W̱SÁNEĆ traditions and culture still alive today? How can non-Indigenous people better understand Indigenous peoples and create meaningful connections with them? Study Guide on-site.
First People's Maps Art, Heritage and Language maps	Good Medicine "The Good Medicine Initiative is a series of online articles and posts that highlight the strengths we possess as Indigenous people."	Weaving Knowledge into The Future Learn about Salish weaving the same way I did with Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph and Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George.
Gene Harry's Virtual Grief and Loss Teachings Virtually participate in this good medicine. 6 min.	An Language & Arts Society Learn about SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH life and language!	Learn about Indigeous History in this free Coursera Course Learn about Canada's history from the Indigenous perspective in this free course from the Universtity of Alberta. Easy access to important information.
Activities and Games At the Simon Fraser Univerity's Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, teachers, students and the general public can play games, learn how to make baskets and download colouring books.	Add these Indigenous Children's books to your library Children need to see themselves in books, search out Indigenous books for children, and about children, by Indigenous authors. Start your journey here!	There are many amazing books by Indigenous Authors that need to be read Add to this list, make your own list and share it everywhere:-)
"...unlearn, learn and relearn from Squamish Elders..." "M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Society M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Society transforms leadership and organizations with experiential training grounded in Squamish teachings and history. We work with organizations who want to activate decolonizing practices, indigenization and commitments to reconciliation."	Theytus Books Find books by Indigenous authors. Indigenous owed. K-12 and University Teachers, look here!	Curriculum, All Grades: THE HISTORICAL THINKING PROJECT "The historical thinking framework promoted by The Historical Thinking Project revolves around six historical thinking concepts: historical significance, cause and consequence, historical perspective-taking, continuity and change, the use of primary source evidence, and the ethical dimension of history. These concepts have been integrated into the curriculum guidelines in a number of provinces and territories across Canada."
Read my latest Article in BC History Magazine Warp, Weft, Weave: Joining Generations talks about my further search for my family and how I came to adopt the craft of Salish Weaving. Link to purchase the digital version: https://www.zinio.com/ca/british-columbia-history-m34526 You can also download the ZINIO app from iTunes and Google and get the magazine that way too.	IndigiNews Where your stories are heard, understood and respected.	First Nations Health Authority Learn about Traditional Medicine, Wellness and the History of Health in the First Nations. This website contains tips, guides and resources.
Learn about North Vancouver then and now. "North Shore Culture Compass is a free online map that visualizes the rich cultural landscape of the Lower Mainland’s North Shore. An accessible navigational tool featuring key information about points of interest, the Culture Compass encourages local residents and tourists alike to connect with the arts, heritage, and stories that make this region so vibrant."	Indigenous History of Burnaby Teachers Guide for the Indignous History of Burnaby.	Read this chapbook from the Polygon Gallery. "A Strong Sense of Place features a text by Sharon Fortney about the public presence of Indigenous art in North Vancouver, accompanied by an ethnobotany of plants found on the North Shore by T’uy’t’tanat-Cease Wyss."
Virtually Visit the Bill Reid Center Learn about all of the NorthWest Villages with online Exhibits, the ímesh Mobile App and other multimedia explorations.	Learn about Canoes. Learn about the different types of canoes through this Simon Fraser University Slide show.	NorthWest Coast Rattles In this slide show from Simon Fraser University, view some of the rattles housed in various collections today.
Cedar Boxes Learn about Northwest Coast cedar boxes in this slide show from Simon Fraser University.	View and visit art works by Kent Monkman Visit SHAME AND PREJUDICE A Story of Resilience — By Kent Monkman DATES August 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021 at the University of British Combia's Museum of Anthropology. For me this image in particular is so powerful as my Grx2 Grandmother and her sister were taken to St Mary's residential school at the age of 3, and they remained there until age 13, only visiting their home once during that time.	Learn How To Make A Totem Pole From trees, to their significance, learn about NorthWest Coast Totems.
Search the BC Archives Search the Archives for historical documents, photographs and items.	Indigenous Services Canada The Canadian Governments page for Services and Information. Learn about 'Status' here and apply if you are eligible.	Indigenous and North Affairs Canada View First Nations profiles, populations and communities.
Virtually Explore View the Indigenous Collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum.	Repatriation Handbook Download the Repartriation Handbook written by Jisgang Nika Collison, Sdaahl K̲’awaas Lucy Bell, Lou-ann Neel from the Indigenous Collections and Repatriation Department of the Royal BC Museum and the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay.

Learn

	Weaving Knowledge into The Future Learn about weaving from Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph and Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George.	Giggys Beads Stunning and thoughtful works.
Modern Wellness Products Made With Traditional Indigenous Ingredients "Sisters Sage hand crafts beautiful modern self-care & wellness products using traditional indigenous ingredients. Our artisan soaps, bath bombs, salves and smokeless smudge honors our ancestral teachings of sage, cedar, sweetgrass, lavender and more."	Second generation Coast Salish Design House "We are a second generation Coast Salish Design House from Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. We are Sisters who design and produce clothing and fabric patterns featuring Traditional Coast Salish Art by our Father William Good and Brother W. Joel Good of the Snuneymuxw First Nation Hereditary Chief Family. Our garment design is mentored by our Mother, Sandra Moorhouse-Good, who had the very first Coast Salish clothing line with our Father called Ay Ay Mut in the 1990’s."	Moccasins with meaning.
Roy Vickers I love Roy's work and owned my first print back in the 70s. I am happy to now call him a friend. If you are up Tofino way, do drop into the Gallery and if you are fortunate enough, Roy may be there telling a story!	Mr. Bannock using traditional ingredients from the Squamish First Nation OUR MISSION I take a lot of pride and joy in sharing Indigenous-fusion cuisine, using traditional ingredients from the Squamish First Nation — such as juniper berries, smoked wild salmon and meats — and traditional methods, such as clay and stone baking.	Ancestry Art Exhibition View my "Ancestry: Art of Belonging" Art Exhibition here. Available for booking in 2021 and beyond.
SḴWÁLWEN Botanicals Sḵwálwen (skwall - win) is an Indigenous business creating small batch botanical skin care products. Honouring traditional Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge, we incorporate wild harvested plants and organic, high quality ingredients. Our wild plant ingredients are harvested in a sustainable and respectful way and each product has a Squamish name to honour the place where this plant knowledge comes from.	Support for your Indigenous Business Are you an Indigeous business looking for some connection?	There are many local Indigenous Businesses you can support, but many are not listed. Please check your local area and find what is close to you. Indigenous businesses are owned, and/or operated by Indigeous people, they make and/or support local artists. #ShopLocal and support your local communities.
Eliza Firth’s 'Delta Rose' mask will be on display as part of the Breathe Adding beauty to the pandemic. Read about a new exhibition opening in October 2020.	View and visit art works by Kent Monkman Visit SHAME AND PREJUDICE A Story of Resilience — By Kent Monkman DATES August 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021 at the University of British Combia's Museum of Anthropology. For me this image in particular is so powerful as my Grx2 Grandmother and her sister were taken to St Mary's residential school at the age of 3, and they remained there until age 13, only visiting their home once during that time.	Virtually Explore View the Indigenous Collections at the Royal British Columbia Museum.
Find North Shore artists listed here

Artists & Businesses

Free Downloadable Organizer	Recipe Book
George Jeffrey's Virtual Smudge Participate in this short Smudge.	James Quatell's Virtual Candle Teaching Participate in this Candle Teaching with James Quatell and learn how to do it yourself.	Good Medicine "The Good Medicine Initiative is a series of online articles and posts that highlight the strengths we possess as Indigenous people."
Squamish Thunderbird Learn more about the Squamish Nation today on the website.	FNHA Learn about Traditional Medicine, Wellness and the History of Health in the First Nations. This website contains tips, guides and resources.	Eliza Firth’s 'Delta Rose' mask will be on display as part of the Breathe Adding beauty to the pandemic. Read about a new exhibition opening in October 2020.
The Indigenous Knowledge Social Network Learn how one community is using technology to stay informed. SIKU is a mobile app and web platform by and for Inuit which provides tools and services for ice safety, language preservation and weather.	Repatriation Handbook Download the Repartriation Handbook written by Jisgang Nika Collison, Sdaahl K̲’awaas Lucy Bell, Lou-ann Neel from the Indigenous Collections and Repatriation Department of the Royal BC Museum and the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay.

Health

	Learn to Speak and Write the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Language Use flashcards to listen and learn how to speak and write the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Language. Suitable for all levels of learners!	Good Medicine "The Good Medicine Initiative is a series of online articles and posts that highlight the strengths we possess as Indigenous people."
Learn about Indigeous History in this free Coursera Course Learn about Canada's history from the Indigenous perspective in this free course from the Universtity of Alberta. Easy access to important information.	Activities and Games At the Simon Fraser Univerity's Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, teachers, students and the general public can play games, learn how to make baskets and download colouring books.	Squamish Thunderbird Learn more about the Squamish Nation today on the website.
"...unlearn, learn and relearn from Squamish Elders..." "M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Society M̓i tel'nexw Leadership Society transforms leadership and organizations with experiential training grounded in Squamish teachings and history. We work with organizations who want to activate decolonizing practices, indigenization and commitments to reconciliation."	Theytus Books Find books by Indigenous authors. Indigenous owed. K-12 and University Teachers, look here!	Support for your Indigenous Business Are you an Indigeous business looking for some connection?
APTN The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network is a Canadian specialty channel.	There are many local Indigenous Businesses you can support, but many are not listed. Please check your local area and find what is close to you. Indigenous businesses are owned, and/or operated by Indigeous people, they make and/or support local artists. #ShopLocal and support your local communities.	Read my latest Article in BC History Magazine Warp, Weft, Weave: Joining Generations talks about my further search for my family and how I came to adopt the craft of Salish Weaving. Link to purchase the digital version: https://www.zinio.com/ca/british-columbia-history-m34526 You can also download the ZINIO app from iTunes and Google and get the magazine that way too.
IndigiNews Where your stories are heard, understood and respected.	First Nations Health Authority Learn about Traditional Medicine, Wellness and the History of Health in the First Nations. This website contains tips, guides and resources.	Learn about North Vancouver then and now. "North Shore Culture Compass is a free online map that visualizes the rich cultural landscape of the Lower Mainland’s North Shore. An accessible navigational tool featuring key information about points of interest, the Culture Compass encourages local residents and tourists alike to connect with the arts, heritage, and stories that make this region so vibrant."
The Indigenous Knowledge Social Network Learn how one community is using technology to stay informed. SIKU is a mobile app and web platform by and for Inuit which provides tools and services for ice safety, language preservation and weather.	Search the BC Archives Search the Archives for historical documents, photographs and items.	Indigenous Services Canada The Canadian Governments page for Services and Information. Learn about 'Status' here and apply if you are eligible.
Indigenous and North Affairs Canada View First Nations profiles, populations and communities.	Repatriation Handbook Download the Repartriation Handbook written by Jisgang Nika Collison, Sdaahl K̲’awaas Lucy Bell, Lou-ann Neel from the Indigenous Collections and Repatriation Department of the Royal BC Museum and the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay.

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