“When I was a kid, around eight years old, I actually didn’t even know I was Indigenous. We didn’t have any artwork, language — nothing. I had no idea we were Indigenous,” recalled Kalkalilh, also known as Deanna Lewis, as she reflected on her childhood.
This disconnect from her cultural heritage has driven Lewis to ensure that future generations do not grow up with the same lack of awareness.
On Aug. 10, Lewis’s efforts culminated in the debut of a new Indigenous dance group, Menásta ti Snewíyelh Texwta7 ti Smén7hem, as a part of the Squamish Arts Festival at Junction Park.
The Squamish Arts Festival, held annually in Squamish, is running until Aug. 17.
The group, whose name translates to “the beating drum of the unborn history,” performed a series of traditional songs and dances at Junction Park, drawing attention to the importance of cultural preservation and revitalization within the Squamish community.
Formed recently but long envisioned by Lewis, Menásta ti Snewíyelh Texwta7 ti Smén7hem includes both family and community members, ranging from those deeply rooted in cultural teachings to others who are just beginning their journey.
“It’s been in discussion for a long time because I always envisioned it,” Lewis said.
“When I say that, I mean I knew my purpose in life was to be the ‘beat and drum of the unborn history,’ which we translated into our Squamish language.”
The performance highlighted the group’s blend of ancient and contemporary practices, including songs passed down through generations and new compositions, such as a COVID-19 prayer song that honours those lost to the pandemic.
Lewis is passionate about making sure the younger generation is involved in these cultural practices. “It’s important to instill this in our communities from a young age, and now they are really a part of the dance group,” she said.
“We almost lost our language, with only about 2% fluent speakers today, and even I am not fluent. But it’s about teaching the language through songs,” she said.
According to Super,Natural BC, in 2018, there were just 4,132 fluent speakers of Indigenous languages left in British Columbia. That number accounts for about 3% of the total First Nations population in the province.
“If we can’t see ourselves in these spaces, how do we feel like we belong?” Lewis said.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
