When Danielle Searancke first arrived in Squamish 22 years ago, it wasn’t spirituality that brought her—it was race cars. Originally from York Factory First Nation in Manitoba, Searancke had a career in motorsports, a far cry from the spiritual work that now defines her life.
“My background in First Nations healthcare and motorsports wasn’t spiritual at all.”
It wasn’t until after the birth of her firstborn child in 2013 that reading with a local medium changed her path. “She told me I could do this work, though I didn’t believe it at first,” she said.
“I joined a class in Surrey and trained under that medium for years. I loved the process of spiritual development. It requires deep self-reflection and learning the language of spirit.”
This process eventually led her to establish her business Spirit School in Squamish, where she offers classes and resources to others seeking spiritual growth.
“Indigenous spirituality is deeply personal and honours the human experience and connection to Earth,” Searancke said.
“Indigenous spiritual practices root you in your humanity, showing that being human is both spiritual and beautiful.”
Staying connected to cultural roots
For Searancke, staying true to Indigenous spirituality means actively engaging in cultural practices.
“Because so many Indigenous people in Canada have lost cultural connections due to the residential school system, reconnection often involves personal rediscovery,” she said.
She stays connected by participating in local community events, utilizing online resources, and taking advantage of programs like the University of Alberta’s courses for Indigenous people.
“Squamish Nation is generous in sharing cultural practices, and I make space daily for spiritual practices that connect me to my spirit,” she added.
The role of ancestors is also central to her work.
“I believe our ancestors walk alongside us. They care about our healing and thriving. With their support, I’m working toward becoming a happy and healthy ancestor for future generations.”
Protecting sacred knowledge
Searancke walks a fine line between sharing her spiritual practices and protecting their sacredness.
“Some practices are private and meant only for my lineage,” she said.
“Others I’ve been given permission to share, either from an Elder or an ancestor. I rely on community guidance to determine what’s safe to share and what should remain protected.”
When teaching or discussing Indigenous spirituality, Searancke is careful to address concerns about cultural appropriation.
“I always differentiate between appropriation and appreciation,” she said.
“Within any community, you’ll find two perspectives: some believe these teachings should be shared widely to help humanity, while others feel they must be protected because they’ve been taken away before. Both perspectives are valid, and it’s crucial to honour them.”
She relies on discernment to navigate these complexities.
“Part of my role is to read the energy of a space and decide what’s appropriate. In some settings, it may not feel safe to share certain practices, so I lean into the philosophy of preservation. In other spaces, where respect for the culture is clear, I feel more comfortable sharing.”
Connection across generations
Searancke also aims to ensure that her children remain connected to their Indigenous roots.
“Even though they’re only eight and 10, I remind them they are little teachers and wisdom keepers,” she said. “Sometimes they have more access to the community than I do, given that my grandmother’s community was forcibly removed by the government. By giving them the space and capacity to teach me, they stay connected, and it strengthens their identity and cultural roots.”
York Factory First Nation, Searancke’s ancestral community, was displaced in 1957 when the government deemed the land no longer useful.
“They effectively evicted everyone, forcing the community to disperse and find new homes,” she explained. “That led to a lot of trauma, including land and cultural disconnection.
“This isn’t unique to my family; it’s a common experience for Indigenous peoples across Canada,” she said.
“Most of us are considered ‘away-from-home’ Indigenous people—we don’t have a home to return to.”
York Factory First Nation, once central to the Hudson's Bay Company’s fur trade, was displaced in 1957 when operations ceased. The relocation to York Landing separated the Swampy Cree from their ancestral lands, homes, and heritage, causing lasting cultural and emotional trauma according to the Nation’s website.
While Searancke has yet to meet other members of York Factory First Nation in Squamish, she connects with them online. “Only now are we starting to have conversations about the emotional and cultural impacts of that displacement,” she said.
Bridging communities
“Many people drawn to my work are non-Indigenous,” she said.
“By walking in both worlds, I provide a safe space for them to ask questions and explore their curiosities. This, in turn, helps create safer environments for Indigenous people to be themselves.”
Searancke believes much of the racism Indigenous people face stems from misunderstandings about their culture.
“For example, some people don’t understand why we might prefer a slower lifestyle,” she said. “Through my work, I guide non-Indigenous people in learning how to appreciate without appropriating.”
In her membership community, which is 70% non-Indigenous, she has seen growing respect for Indigenous culture. “This helps reduce appropriation over time, fostering more understanding and allyship,” she added.
Reclaiming and ‘rematriating’ spiritual spaces
“Rematriation is about centring Indigenous women in the spaces they lead and restoring feminine principles,” she said.
She explained that mediumship, like many spiritual practices, often leans into masculine values, emphasizing evidence and outcomes.
“By rematriating the mediumship space, I shift the focus to holding space in a nurturing, grounded way,” she said.
“I emphasize connecting with the Earth, balancing that connection with the heavens, and prioritizing community over individualism. It’s about restoring balance by integrating feminine principles alongside masculine ones.”
In recognition of her work, Searancke has been nominated for the Indigenous Business Award at the Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards. She is joined by two other finalists: Deanna Wampler, social media strategist and educator, and FLEURESCENT Blooms + Rentals.
“[Being] recognized locally feels special, like the community is finally seeing me. That’s deeply rewarding,” she said.
“I’ve felt the effects of being misunderstood for having a spiritual practice. In the past, I didn’t feel seen by the more pragmatic world. So, this recognition is an honour—it shows that my work matters.”
This year’s Squamish Business Excellence Awards, presented by RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate, will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 at the Cheakamus Centre in Paradise Valley.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
