Inspiration – Dialogue in Squamish
Chief Ian Campbell and Rebecca Duncan at the 2023 Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase.
After finishing lunch on the first day of IPSS 2023, conference attendees made their way back into the main hall, where they found headsets on all the tables.
As soon revealed by event MC Simon Baker, it would be through these headsets that attendees would be able to hear the voice of Vanessa Campbell, Associate Editor, Skwx̱wú7mesh-English Dictionary, and Advisor, Squamish Language Program. Campbell would be translating into English the discussion between Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation and Rebecca Duncan, Squamish Language Teacher, taking place entirely in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim (Squamish language).
It was an historic occasion: the first time a modern-day business conference would host a panel entirely in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim.
For the next 30 minutes, attendees sat in rapt attention, as Campbell and Duncan talked about their Nation’s community and history, and the skills and traditions, used from time immemorial, by their people. They told stories about the arrival of the first Europeans in the area, and the ensuing consequences, both positive and negative. They spoke of how First Nations have supported each other through it all.
And, says Campbell, “we have many people that help us with all this new work, new ways. Support the things that we do to help each other.”
They also talked about the importance of bridging age-old traditions with the modern world and how doing so can benefit their community and its young people.
“On one hand, you have your drum and rattle, and your other hand, you have your education,” says Duncan. “You have both, and you have strength.”
Drawing Change Illustration by Erica Bota.
“This new way of life for our young people, brings new understandings, new teachings, new ways of thinking, new ways of understanding for our children, all of our children,” says Campbell. “They have our Squamish teachings; they have our education. They have work. For example, we have people in our family who work for the banks, who work for the university. They have the right teachings. They don't forget the old teachings. They have our language; they have the English language. They have our Squamish teachings; they have the education of the modern world. And I know they will only get stronger every year.”
“And that's the way it should be,” says Duncan. “To keep the hard, strong teachings, to keep the knowledge of the lineage, the knowledge to support one another, to lift up our understandings, to lift up our protocol.”
Wrapping up the session, Campbell gestures toward the audience. “I'm very, very proud today and hope tomorrow I will uphold that pride to carry on the good work with all our friends.”
For many in the room, being part of such a momentous experience was quite emotional. As IPSS 2023 Event Lead Margaret Dovsgal remarked afterwards, “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.”
Sponsored by Telus Communication.