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Jenn Smith

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Indigenous Cultural Safety Educator
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Indigenous Thought Leader
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Truth & Reconciliation Agent
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Grandma

Gilakas'la!

Jenn Smith is from the Tlowitsis Nation (pronounced “tlow-eet-sees”). With a Master’s in Health Leadership and over 25 years of community-based experience, she possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the areas of Indigenous Cultural Safety and Reconciliation. 

Currently residing on the Katzie territory in Pitt Meadows, Jenn is also a proud grandmother of five. She is dedicated to fostering safe spaces for learning and dialogue that emphasize truth-telling, Cultural Safety, and Reconciliation. Jenn is committed to driving progress in these areas, ensuring a positive legacy for future generations.

Experience

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For the past decade, Jenn has been a leader in delivering Cultural Safety education to a wide range of audiences, including healthcare professionals, throughout BC.

 

She draws on traditional oral histories and wisdom that have been passed down by ancestors and mentors over generations.

 

Jenn firmly believes that understanding BC's colonial history and its significant impact on First Nations people is the crucial first step in anyone's cultural safety journey.

 

Through her compelling storytelling approach, she effectively engages her audience, connecting powerfully with both hearts and minds. 

Teachings

  • Cultural Safety and Humility 

  • Indigenous Trauma

  • Intergenerational Impacts

  • Indigenous Resiliency

  • History and landscape of First Nations in BC

  • Truth and Reconciliation

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Truth & Reconciliation

"To know the truth we must begin by telling it"

Anishinaabe Senator, Murray Sinclair 

​Reconciliation is about re-establishing the relationship between First Nations and non-First Nations people with the goal of achieving mutual respect.

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The essence of Canada's formation lies in our shared colonial history. It is crucial for us to delve into the truths of this history, understanding its impacts. By collectively acknowledging and learning from this shared history, we pave the way for a positive path forward, blazing a trail of understanding and unity.

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Values

Maya'xala - Respect for oneself and all things, living or otherwise 

  • Love

  • Laughter

  • Kindness

  • Culture

  • Positivity

Acknowledgement (phonetic)

Gai lah kyass’ dakw’lah

 

Gai lah kyahss lah Katzie

 

Noo Gwah um Dlah’ Dlah Gwotl

 

Gye yoo tlahss lach’ Kah loo gwees

 

Gye yoo thlass lach’ Mim qwam lees

 

Oh lah gyah lah Ee kyoch’ dah’ nah lah

 

Gai lah kyahss lah!

Translation

Welcome to all the people

 

Thank you to the Katzie Nation

 

My name is Standing Together in Strength

 

I come from Turnour Island

 

I come from Village Island

 

It is truly great this day

 

Welcome and thank you!

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