Welcome to our special collection of recordings featuring three esteemed Coast Salish Elders as they share ancestral stories and songs passed down through generations. These stories carry the wisdom, traditions, and cultural teachings of their communities, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage that continues to guide and inspire. We invite you to listen, learn, and honor these voices that connect us to the land, our ancestors, and each other.
Elder Bob Baker (S7aplek)
S7aplek is a member of both the Squamish and Musqueam Nations. Born and raised in the Squamish Community, Bob has been honouring his culture through singing and dances for over 35 years. Bob takes pride in his heritage and has been working tirelessly to revive lost traditions. He is known for his revival of Sea-going Canoes, the Grandmother Welcome Figure at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, and his countless dance presentations and performances.
Bob is the co-founder and spokesperson for Eagle Song “S’pawkus Slolem” dance troupe, and was proud to be part of the 2010 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies. During the warmer months, he can be found training in the traditional dug-out war canoes and the Great Sea-going Canoes. As a steersman for both Tribal Journeys and the Pulling Together Journey, he visits villages along the coasts of BC and Washington State.
Find all of Elder S7aplek’s songs and stories on YouTube
Elder Faye Halls (Yeltsilewet)
Yeltsilewet (Faye Halls) is a member of the Squamish Nation and was raised on the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver. She is he youngest daughter of the late Chief Simon Baker (Khot-la-cha) and Emily Baker. Faye moved off reserve in the 1970s when she was married, and after raising her three daughters and becoming a grandmother, returned to live on the Capilano Reserve.
Faye is an educator who started her career in School District #44 as a First Nations Support and Community School Coordinator. She has also worked for NITEP, and received an honorary degree for her commitment to the staff and students. Faye has a long and varied career in education and within the Squamish Nation. Her most recent work is The Paddle Journey Workshop, which gives participants the opportunity to explore the lives and traditions of the Coast Salish People.
Find all of Elder Yeltsilewet’s stories on YouTube
Understanding Land Acknowledgements
Elder Rick Harry (Xwalacktun)
Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) is an internationally renowned artist with roots in the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Kwakwaka’wakw Nation (Alert Bay). His remarkable artistic career spans over 40 years, encompassing a wide range of mediums, from public art and sculpture to metalwork, jewelry, glasswork, drawing, printmaking, and his renowned wood carving. He seamlessly blends traditional Salish forms with contemporary expressions, a hallmark of his distinctive style.
Xwalacktun’s artistic legacy is interwoven with his community involvement, attending local events, and offering cultural greetings. His numerous accolades include his 2022 Honorary Doctorate from Emily Carr University, the 2016 First Nations Art Award, and the 2012 Order of BC. His art adorns public spaces across Canada and internationally, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity.
