Keisha was named “Wadzidalaga” by her great-grandmother, before being given the name “Tlakwa̱lał” in 2013. She is of Kwakwaka’wakw, K’omoks, Tlingit, Dutch and English ancestry and is a member of the K’omoks First Nation. Keisha has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, which has helped fuel her passion. She has become an increasingly dedicated advocate for Indigenous culture, history, and experience. Keisha works for the School District No. 72 as a First Nations Language and Culture teacher where she teaches students and adults about Indigenous culture through various lessons, including an experiential healing activity called the Blanket Exercise. Keisha is a regalia maker, language learner, dancer, writer, and is active in the potlatch community. She is honoured to share local history with the readers of the CV Collective.
FEATURED WORDS: I’M LEARNING
Comox Valley Collective Featured Words Spring
Wi’yugwa̱mala dłuwa̱n, – Baby with me, Łax̱wa̱lanukwa̱n tłus. – I love you. Mu’la̱n gax̱a’aḵus. – I’m grateful for you. Da̱nx̱a̱latła̱n gax̱a’aḵus. – I will sing for you. Hayulistła̱n bak’wa̱mḵala. – […]
Words by Keisha EversonPhotos by Alexandre Crouzet