Read the English translation of Siyamiyateliot Elizabeth Phillips's Indspire Award acceptance speech
Siyamiyateliot Elizabeth Phillips is the recipient of the 2022 Indspire Culture, Heritage & Spirituality Award.
Phillips is a Stó:lō Nation elder and the last fluent speaker of Halq'eméylem, an Indigenous language of Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon in British Columbia.
For more than 50 years, Phillips has been preserving, revitalizing and teaching the Halq'eméylem language. Along with other Elders, she developed a Halq'eméylem writing system — prior to their efforts, there was no written expression for the language.
The annual Indspire awards honour Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples who are inspiring change and progress in their communities. The 2022 Indspire Awards will broadcast nationwide on Sunday, June 19 at 8 pm (8:30 NT) on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, the CBC Listen app and APTN.
Phillips spoke in Halq'eméylem during the 2022 Indspire Awards broadcast. Here is the English translation of her acceptance speech.
SIYAMIYATELIOT ELIZABETH PHILLIPS (HALQ'EMÉYLEM) :
I remember when our language was considered a bad thing; now our language is being asked for.
I ask the sacred one to be here with us to ensure the Halq'eméylem language will live on.
The Halq'eméylem word for river is Stolo. "Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw" means people of the river.
When someone asks about me I tell them I am Stolo.
I have heard my mother tongue since being in the cradle board.
We learned how to write 39 sounds of our language, to write what came and what we spoke. Halq'eméylem will not be lost.
I would hear the English language when different people came over.
My Dad would speak English with them and then translate to my Mom in our language.
This happened often.
My Mom was surprised when I began to do as my Dad.
I could translate.
My husband and I were chosen to learn how to write down the knowledge of our ancestors.
We learned how to write 39 sounds of our language, to write what came and what we spoke.
Halq'eméylem will not be lost.
Translation by Vivian Siyameqwot Williams
Watch the trailer for the 2022 Indspire Awards
