S7atsáliya (Charlene George, MA) comes from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səlilwətaɬ nations and is a learner, teacher and advocate of the Sḵwx̱wu7mesh sníchim (language). Her passion for language work is rooted in nine years of dedicated experience developing effective strategies to foster conversational fluency, as well as creating curricula and other valuable language resources. She holds a master’s degree in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics, her final project demonstrating ongoing immersive learning practices via language domains, as well as some linguistic interpretation.

 S7atsáliya firmly believes that one of the most effective paths to fluency in a second language is to weave it into everyday life. She integrates Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim into her daily routines—whether cooking, wool weaving, or chatting with her puppy (who may or may not be listening). She’s especially excited that her husband is now learning the language, so they can share a home and a life rooted in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim—when he’s not busy building canoes.

A central goal for S7atsáliya is to empower current and future generations to engage with their language, nurturing a vibrant community where people can speak, share, and reconnect with one another, their culture, spirituality, and ancestral land. She has a strong belief that through language we can get a glimpse into our ancestors’ worldview, and ensure a deeper connection from the old to the new. S7atsáliya is grateful to her many teachers in their respective backgrounds, acknowledging a shared feeling, “ to learn is to teach and to teach is to learn.”

X̱á7chalh (Alvin Martin) is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Nisga’a, and Nuxalk Nations. He carries on his grandparents’ legacies through canoe carving and learning to speak one of his ancestral languages. His journey into canoe carving has opened the door to many other traditional practices. He also carves model canoes (art pieces that allow individuals to hold and remember meaningful moments) and has learned to wool weave as his Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ancestors did before him. He has contributed to several weaving projects and has recently learned to spin wool as well.

Alvin is currently part of a cohort at Simon Fraser University focused on developing conversational skills in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim. He sees this as an important step in contributing to ongoing language revitalization efforts. With his wife also being a speaker, Alvin is excited to bring the language into their home, strengthening its presence in daily life and helping ensure it lives on through the next generation.

Committed to hands-on learning and teaching, Alvin sees his artistic and cultural practices not only as personal responsibilities but as gifts to be carried forward and shared. He has created canoes, paddles, and wool-woven pieces for multiple communities and families.

Sh7eysh7éylhalut (Breeann Baker) comes from the village of Xwmelch’stn (Capilano) and has proudly worked with The Sníchim Foundation for the past six years, dedicated to the revitalization of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language). Through this work, she has found a deep-rooted passion and connection to my identity, culture, and community by learning and using the language every day. As a mother to two boys, Sutí7mex̱ and X̱apílem George, it’s important for her and her partner Lá7awstn (Kalup George) to bring language and culture into their home, ensuring their children grow up immersed in their identity rather than searching for it.

In her language and cultural journey, Sh7eysh7éylhalut has been grateful for the opportunity to connect with ancestral practices such as traditional weaving. Over the past three years, she has learned from multiple teachers who have shared techniques passed down through generations. Through this guidance, she has created shawls, blankets, headbands, and wall pieces. Weaving has become more than something she has learned, it has become a meditative, spiritual practice that connects her with her ancestors and allows her to carry their spirit, stories, and strength into the hands and hearts of the next generation.