2025 Summer Speaker Series

In 2025, Qwelmínte Secwépemc continued its Summer Speaker Series, featuring Elders, Knowledge Carriers from Secwépemc communities, and representatives from B.C. to promote intergenerational knowledge transfer. This series focused on the "Walking on Two Legs" philosophy, blending traditional Secwépemc wisdom with modern practices. The speakers shared valuable insights and facilitated hands-on experiences, empowering post-secondary interns and summer guardians to apply this balanced approach in their lives and communities, fostering the development of future leaders.

List of Speakers for 2025

May 2025

  • Maria Collins - TRU Rubber Boa Research (learned about Rubber Boas and experiences as a Research Student)

  • Colleen Seymour- TteS Secwépemc Knowledge Carrier ( made sage ties / made foods for community / brain storming exercise )

  • Holly Jackson - Simpcw Rep ( Presented on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas)

  • Fred Fortier ( Visted his home and learned about indigenous food sovereignty )

  • Kenthen Thomas- Renowned Secwépemc Storyteller ( taught the stories of porcupine and more )

  • Charlotte Rose, QS In-House Legal - Lived Experience

  • TTES Natural Resources Team / Aaron Gillespe (Trout Fishing )

June 2025

  • Dr Anne Naowarat Cheeptham ( taught about micro biology and bacteria )

  • Hunter Lampreau ( lived experience talk )

  • Donna Olsen ( BC, Ministry of Waters Lands & Resource Stewardship )

  • David Lishman ( BC, Ministry of Forests discussed Forest Landscape Planning )

  • Janna Wale ( Past KBP participant lived experience talk )

  • TTES Berry Walk – Shaleigh Garson

July 2025

  • Drew Rose, KBP Manager ( Lived Experience )

  • Peter Michel (Secwépemc Stoytelling and Cultural Protocols)

  • Norman Retasket (St’uxtéws Elder, shared Lived Experience)

  • Colleen Seymour

  • Kenthen Thomas

  • Splatsin Youth Exchange

  • WPCIB Young Guardian Program – Youth Exchange (Nature Walk at Isobel Lake)

  • Dr Anne Naowarat Cheeptham (Nature Walk and Cave Sampling at Wells Gray)

  • ILRU ( out on the land / Indigens Law 101 workshop )

  • Darrel Draney (QS Responsible Official, Storytelling for Skeetchestn and Balancing Rock)

  • Jazmen Pigeon

  • Norman Retasket

August 2025

  • Gabe Archie (Canim Lake, Secwépemc Cultural Protocols)

  • WPCIB Young Guardian Program – Youth Exchange (Nature Walk at Isobel Lake)

  • Dr Anne Naowarat Cheeptham (Lab)