Kelsie Kilawna, Local Journalism Initiative
Marlene Squakin, syilx woman, and knowledge holder has been carrying the stories shared by her relations.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Marlene Squakin
July 12, 2021 - 7:00 PM
nsyilxcen language speaker Marlene Squakin, who also goes by yaxma (cedar basket), says according to syilx prophecy, “truth will be revealed,” and it’s the youth who will lead the way.
Yaxma, whose mother attended a residential “school,” calls recent confirmation of graves “irrefutable evidence” that’s working to “awaken the world to the genocide of Indigenous Peoples.”
“Our mother tongue speakers (fluent speakers) are able to witness the resolution of generations of injustice and intergenerational trauma inflicted upon our families,” yaxma said. “Despite having endured legislated genocide, our Elders set their hearts on the swiwinumta (handsome, beautiful ones — youth), who provide hope for a better future.