Tkwemíple7 Shelley Witzky

Weytkp, Shelley Witzky re skwes. Secwepemc ka. Tekwemíple te Cstalnec. Hello, my name is Shelley Witzky, daughter of Cecilia George (nee Sampson) of Sahhaltkum and Hub George of Osoyoos Indian Band, granddaughter of Henry and Ann Sampson of Sahhaltkum.

Secwepemc Landmark Storytelling:

I started and attended the Secwepemc Landmarks Storytelling at Chief Atahm School, Shihaya School, Splatsin and five classes at SD#83 in Salmon Arm in which was shared by a Secwepemc storyteller who shared stories about coyote and salmon and different design ideas for the upcoming Trailhead post carving classes. The 80 plus students then created their own unique and original designs for the Trailhead Posts that the Shuswap Trail Alliance later swapped out for the old posts at 100 trail heads. This unique and first of its kind project in BC (involving four Indigenous communities, SD#83, and two Secwepemc schools) is in the Shuswap Lakes region of Secwepemculecw, encourages Secwepemc youth to learn from our Elders, enhances reconciliation with Secwepemc and Caucasian people as we share our culture and they learn our traditional values, this allows for the transfer of traditional Secwepemc knowledge, language, and placenames to future generations of Secwepemc.

Secwepemc Landmarks Carving Classes:

5 classes at SD#83 (Sullivan (2), SMS, South Canoe Outdoor, Jackson, Chief Atahm School, and Shihaya in Splatsin) carved their own designs onto 100 Trailhead Posts that will replace the 100 main Trailhead Posts within the Shuswap Trail Alliance trail systems. The posts will depict Secwepemc designs, Nation Flag, Coyote Rock on the top, and the student’s hand-carved designs This project is another way to enhance the transfer of Secwepemc knowledge to the next generations

Secwepemc Landmarks Site Blessings with Elders for the future sculpture sites. Also attended ALIB Chief and Council Governance Training Sessions, Strategic Planning, and an Urban Assembly for our Lower Mainland Members. My portfolio is Sustainable Development, and as such am meeting with grant funders and staff looking at a feasibility study for a Pow Wow arbor at Switsmalph as per the CCSP, West Bay Trail, and potential commercial/residential at West Harbor Village to create employment for our community. Looking forward to being of service to my people