Reflection by Cassidy Acheson, Indigenous Services
On January 31, we had the pleasure of participating in a storytelling circle with Marnie Gregoire and her father, Elder Adam Gregoire. To begin, we shared a meal while getting to know each other a little bit. Marnie opened the storytelling by drumming and singing the Okanagan Song, and telling us the Four Food Chiefs story.
Elder Gregoire shared four stories with us – some personal stories, and some that have been passed down through many generations. Each time, he would tell the story twice, first in nsyilxcən and then in English. It was incredibly powerful to hear Elder Gregoire share the stories in his language, and to reflect on the teachings offered by these stories. It was such a privilege to hear the Okanagan language spoken on Okanagan territory, and to learn from an Elder who holds so much knowledge of this land, its people, and history. I left with a feeling of immense gratitude and deep respect for the Elders who have maintained Syilx language and teachings since time immemorial.