Kiʔsuʔk wiⱡnam q̓apiniskiⱡ,
I am Jasmine, a reconnecting Ktunaxa paǂki (Ktunaxa woman), a Ktunaxa ʔakⱡukaqwum learner (Ktunaxa language learner), a George baby, and I belong to the Red family lineage with my dad being red ʔakinquǂaǂ and my grandmother being red ʔinmak̓. I am Ktunaxa, in my blood, in my body, and in my being.
My lineage is mixed, likely scottish/irish – and I am a recognized member of the Lower Kootenay Band. I come from Yaqan Nuʔkiy, Creston area, but I’ve lived almost everywhere in Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis – from ʔaqyamǂup (nelson) where I spent my simmers camping and working wildfire – to ʔakisk̓aqǂiʔit (Cranbrook) where I studied and graduated college.
Through a special credential developed in collaboration with the Ktunaxa nation, I studied Indigenous Support Work at College of the Rockies. My actions as a presence both inside and outside of the school are informed by my understanding of healing through connection, natural support systems, and Indigenous familial frameworks.
I am so thrilled to be a visitor here in the valleys, waterways, and mountains of the Pentlatch, E’iksan, Sahtloot, Sasitla, and K’ómoks peoples who have taken care of these lands since time immemorial – and to contribute my gifts to the Comox Valley Indigenous Education team.
Hu qaⱡwiʔni kuȼ hiʔȼxa Ktunaxa ʔa·qanmiyit.
(Their legacy is our learning, how plenteous we are!!)
