Chet wa í7sun “We Pull Together:” Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder’s Program Plan, 2024 IAP2 Canada Core Values Award in Indigenous Engagement
Join us for a compelling webinar exploring the Elder’s Program Engagement Project, recipient of the 2024 IAP2 Canada Core Values Award in Indigenous Engagement. This case study highlights how Squamish Elders and youth collaboratively shaped a culturally-rooted, community-led Elder’s Plan that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and the values of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation.
Guided by the Xwí7ski team, the project resulted in Chet wa í7sun “We Pull Together:” Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder’s Program Plan, a powerful reflection of meaningful engagement and participatory decision-making. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an award-winning initiative fostering dignity, legitimacy, and impact!
Time Zones
- 01:00 pm - 02:15 pm Eastern
- 12:00 pm - 01:15 pm Central
- 11:00 pm - 12:15 pm Mountain
- 10:00 am - 11:15 am Pacific
About the presenters:
Mary Jane Natrall, Lats-mat
Xwí7ski Elder Representative
Lats-mat was born in 1954 and lives in the Squamish Valley. Her parents are Marjorie Reid and James Natrall Sr, and her grandparents were Mary Bones, James Reid, Helen James, and Andrew Natrall. She grew up on the North shore on the Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) Reserve, attended residential school in Sechelt and was later relocated to the Eslha7an (Mission) Reserve due to the sixties scoop. She is a mother of five and grandmother of six. Lats-mat is an active member in the community including with Squamish Nation Peacekeepers, Elder’s Support, Community Health, the Elders Advisory Council, and as a security guard. Lats-mat has been on the Xwí7ski team since March 2022 and was nominated for a second term, beginning in June 2024.
Kevin Rivers, Sxwch’alten
Xwí7ski Elder Representative
Kevin grew up in North Vancouver near Eslha7an (Mission), and currently lives on the Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) Reserve. His parents are late Audrey Rivers and Frank Rivers Sr. He brings 32 years of professional experience as an archeologist in Squamish Territory and has been an active member in the community for over 40 years, including as a caterer, Lacrosse Manager and volunteer. Kevin has been on the Xwí7ski team since March 2022 and was nominated for a second term, beginning in June 2024.
Jeff Cook
Principal, Beringia Community Planning
Technical Lead, Wa i7imeshnewas chet (We Walk Together) – Elder’s Program Engagement Project
Jeff Cook is the Principal of Beringia Community Planning Inc. Supporting over 150 Indigenous communities and organizations since 1991, Jeff is a planning facilitator, community engagement specialist, educator, trainer and analyst with a diverse range of community development and planning experience (comprehensive, sector and project planning). Jeff is inspired about supporting Indigenous self-determination, ways of knowing, being and deciding.
Paula Hay
Planner, Beringia Community Planning
Technical Lead, Wa i7imeshnewas chet (We Walk Together) – Elder’s Program Engagement Project
Paula has been working with Indigenous communities and organizations since 2015, supporting a range of community-based planning processes, participatory and applied research, and innovative facilitation and engagement. Paula is passionate about supporting communities to plan for their own unique wellness, governance, and program needs.
