Sharing Stories with Indigenous People (Thursday evenings)

Nii K’an Kwsdins (aka Jerry Adams) Indigenous Justice Ministry Coordinator for the Diocese of New Westminster is coordinating the presentation of this four week series with some very special speakers.

Each evening will be in the form of a Talking Circle with stories, questions and ideas being shared.

Sharing Stories and Relationships with Indigenous People

Shelley Joseph – October 11

Hekwa’gila’owgwa, Shelley Joseph, brings over 25 years of experience paired with education covering spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well-being for families and communities. She is passionate about supporting First Nations people to take an active role in healing and growth utilizing a holistic approach to well-being. Shelley has always followed traditional teachings through a lifetime of learning from elders and cultural leaders. Aligning with Reconciliation Canada’s idea about creating a better tomorrow for our children; Shelley lives by the Kwakwaka’wakw law “if not for our children, what would our purpose be?” And has always believed in the Kwa’kwala phrase– ḵ̕wa̱la’yu, you are my reason for living. Rounding out her beliefs and cultural values; Shelley is excited to continue to move the work of Reconciliation Canada forward and be a part of her dad’s legacy.

Nicole Bird and the Reverend Fr. Matthew Johnson – October 18

Check back for current biographical information as it becomes available.

Fr. Matthew Johnson serves in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with the Street Outreach Initiative, a joint program of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster and St. James Anglican Church.

Lynda Gray – October 25

Lynda will present her overview of First Nations world view entitled First Nations 101

Lynda Gray is a member of the Ts’msyen Nation on the Northwest Coast of BC (Gisbutwada / Killerwhale Clan). She was born in Prince Rupert, but has lived in East Vancouver since she was six months old.  Lynda is the proud mother of two adult children: Northwest Coast artist Phil Gray and Dr. Robin Gray. She and her children have learned much about their Ts’msyen culture and community from their participation in the Lax Xeen Ts’msyen Dance Group based in Vancouver, BC as well as from attending traditional feasts in Lax Kw’alaams.

Lynda is an active member of the First Nations community. Her work is grounded in a strong belief in community development, youth empowerment, and culture as therapy.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UBC, served as the Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) for 7 years, and serves on community Boards including the UBC President’s Advisory Committee on Aboriginal Issues and the Vancity Community Foundation.

Melissa Adams and Keane Tait – November 1

Melissa Adams

Melissa Adams, a member of the Nisga’a First Nation in Canada, is a PhD student at University College London. Her education background combines History, First Nations Studies and Archival Studies, and her PhD research examines the impacts and implications that Canada’s Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement is having on recordkeeping. She has worked in libraries, archives and museums, often at institutions which include Aboriginal material.

Keane Tait

Keane Tait is the Artistic Director of Kwhlii Gibaygum Nisga’a Dancers,  is a prominent figure in the Nisga’a traditional scene, and co-founder of Radiating Ravens Apparel. He is a Traditional Weaver. Keane was born in Terrace, BC. His Nisga’a name is Wal-aks, coming from the House of Axdii Wil Luu-Gooda of the Git-Wilt’uuts’kwhl Aks Clan of the Raven / Frog tribe among the Nisga’a People; and currently resides in Vancouver / Ts’amiks. Keane Wal-aks is fluent in the Nisga’a language and French, he also takes pride in learning other languages. From childhood he has been taught the traditional values of his culture and oral history of his people by his mom, many aunts and uncles, but above all by his late grandmother, Addie Tait and his late grandfather Tom Tait. Keane is an accomplished Gwiis Maakskw (lit. Wearing White) weaver. He started out learning Salish Weaving from the Musqueam weaver Debra Sparrow, and Wal-aks is now an accomplished Northern Geometric/Raven’s Tail (Gwiis Maakskw) Weaver.

http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/events/sharing-stories-with-indigenous-people