This 90-minute presentation opens with a song from our presenter’s home territory, followed by the sharing of stories from her experiences and research.
With quick claims to reconciliation and distribution of Indigenous strategies, it is imperative that universities are aware of the responsibility entailed in fostering relationships with significant Indigenous women leaders.
In her research, she positions herself as a St’at’imc and Secwépemc woman in the academy while maintaining her deep-rooted education from her home territory. The epistemology is carried by St’at’imc Nxekmenlhkalha muta7 nt’aqmenlhkalha (Our laws and way of life). In her home territory, Matriarchs are recognized and respected. There are protocols and responsibilities community members exercise and apply, and these processes are not often carried out in the same way in higher education spaces. Her research investigates how these core traditional teachings can be aligned with university goals and values, and meaningfully implemented.
Presenter: Skel7áw̓s (Naomi Narcisse)
Skel7áw̓s (Naomi Narcisse) is a current PhD student at The University of British Columbia within the Faculty of Education Studies. She completed her MEd in Educational Administration & Leadership at UBC & Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in 2021, a Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University, and an Associate of Arts at NVIT. As a lifelong learner, protecting & sharing traditional knowledges, Skel7áw̓s is a leader in sharing innovative pathways. She fosters an environment of encouragement while nurturing holistic spaces. She is guided by her Mentors, Matriarchs, Ancestors, tmicw (land) and Nxekmenlhkálha múta7 nt’ákmenlhkalha (traditional laws and way of life). Skel7áw̓s shares from a St’át’imc and Secwépemc women’s perspective, on the interconnection of traditional laws, education, lands, and language through oral stories.
