The core purpose of EMMA Talks is to bring important stories by women identified* writers, activists, thinkers, storytellers, makers and doers, from the periphery to the public. Together their stories will build a powerful and engaging collection of talks, celebrating and building on the conversations, imaginings, and hard work of so many individuals, communities and movements, which will lead to a creative cross-pollination of ideas.

The evening starts at 6:00 PM with a pre-talk reception, where there will be light snacks and a cash bar. The Talks will begin at 7:00 PM sharp. The reception will be in place of a Q&A and will allow for folks to meet one another, to converse and share thoughts from the talks.

* including two spirited, trans and gender non-conforming folks.

SPEAKER BIOS

TALK: L’HEN AWTXW – WEAVING KNOWLEDGE INTO THE FUTURE

Chief Janice George / Chepximiya Siyam is a master weaver and teaching artist from the Squamish Nation. She is proud to have attended Capilano University, the Institute of American Indian Arts, and and interned at the Canadian Museum of History the National Museum. Janice learned to weave from Susan Pavel and Subiyay-t Bruce Miller of Skokomish in October 2003, and is grateful to have had many spiritual, cultural, and scholarly mentors. She began teaching in Squamish Territory and continues to travel, sharing technical, spiritual, and generational teachings.

Janice has integrated the Squamish teachings from Late Grandmother Kwitelut-t Lena Jacobs who was directly connected to pre contact times, and other Squamish ancestors into her teachings. George states, "In this short time of my weaving life a few of my mentors have left this earth, their breathe is carried on in the teachings I pass on. I feel and see the pride that comes from reclaiming our inheritance from our elders and ancestors when we weave and when we wear our beloved weavings. We are taught spiritual protection is part of what we are wearing and feel the love that is put in each hand movement it takes to make a robe."

Since 2003, the Salish Wool Weaving tradition has been reclaimed in a major way. Janice views her contributions to the comeback of weaving as a responsibility and is passionate about reclaiming this art. For the last fourteen years, Janice has been teaching all the way to the top of Salish speaking territory with her husband Buddy Joseph / Skwetsimeltxw.

"I am so grateful to be a part of this exciting time in the history of Salish People. Together with our students, we have taught over 2400 people. It is such an honour."

Chen kwenmantumi (We are grateful)
Chepximiya Siyam Chief Janice George


Salia Joseph is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Snuneymuxw First Nation’s on her father’s side and is British and Jewish on her mothers. Her parents are Chief Floyd Joseph, and Eve Joseph. Her grandparents are the late Chief Larry Joseph from the Sḵwx̱wú7mes village of Stawamus, and Rose Thomas from Snuneymux. In 2016 she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in First Nations and Indigenous studies from the University of British Columbia. During her time in the program she primarily focused on the work and resistance of Indigenous women through art, Indigenous feminisms and new media.

Upon graduating Salia spent time working for the BC Arts Council doing capacity building for Indigenous arts funding on a provincial level. She also worked for her community in the Culture and Education department doing culture camps with youths and adults.

Currently Salia is doing the First Nation Language Proficiency Certificate Program at Simon Fraser University, which is a full time immersion program into her language, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim. While enrolled in this program she also works for Kwi Awt Stelmexw as their Events and Community Relations Coordinator. Salia is passionate about where she comes from as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh woman and is dedicated to always learning more about her culture, and has been particularly dedicated to wool/cedar weaving and language as of late.