About us

is a grad student at Simon Fraser University, currently undertaking her Master of Arts degree in Indigenous Languages and Linguistics. During Kaitlyn’s time working with the society, she has expanded upon her professional development through training by linguists and her hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and hul’q’umin’um’ mentors, while creating language learning materials pertaining to the seasonal round and traditional activities like fishing, hunting and medicine gathering and making. She has been trained in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ text transcription, sound editing, and materials development. Kaitlyn continues to create culture-based learning materials including stories on the different traditional activities of our ancestors. In addition, Kaitlyn works on various projects organizing language legacy materials for future generations to access.

a BA student in Indigenous Language Proficiency at SFU, is passionate about revitalizing hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. For over a decade, she's dedicated herself to this work, from preschool teaching to managing the Language and Culture Department. Her multifaceted work includes developing engaging curriculum and resources for all ages, and organizing diverse events. These events range from ceremonial occasions like burnings and first fish ceremonies, to Culture Days and events addressing MMIW and Orange Shirt Day. All are meticulously planned with respect for protocol, guided by Elders and community with the inclusion of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ throughout. A significant undertaking was the repatriation of 300+ ancestors. A lifelong learner, siy̓altena:t explores innovative teaching methods like TPR and WAYK. Notably, she participated in SFU's first hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ cohort. Driven by love for her community and ancestral legacy, siy̓altena:t shares her language and culture, believing it essential for cultivating pride and identity. She strives to share her knowledge and passion, recognizing the transformative power of connecting with heritage.

’een’thu Tsunamutiye’ tun’ni’ tsun ’utl’ hwmuthkwi’um. I am Tsulnamutiye’ from Musqueam. I was raised by my Grandma Helen Guerin (Crocker) and my late Grandpa Robert Guerin. My late father is Wayne Guerin from Musqueam and my mother Dezeree Harris from Stz’uminus. I have two children, Kelsey and Tyson Sylvester.

I am an Indigenous language Teacher while I work at gaining fluency in my traditional language, Hul’q’umi’num’. I’am also a language teacher in Cowichan. Working with Elementary students. I love my Job and this lifelong learning journey.

has been a language instructor of the hən̓q̓əmín̓əm̓ language for 23 years, and during that time she has taught the smallest to the tallest in her community, as well as for neighbouring nations. She is currently a sessional instructor for Simon Fraser University (SFU), teaching classes for the Indigenous Language Diploma program in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. She graduated with her Masters of Linguistics of First Nations Language in 2019, and is currently enrolled at the University of British Columbia (UBC) doing her doctoral studies in Language and Literacy. She has always actively supported the continued growth and the transmission of our cultural knowledge to our past, present and future generations in whatever capacity that is: as their teacher, as a curriculum resource developer and/or as an advocate for language incorporation into any and all programs.