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Lisa and CraigWe met as friends, bonded as artists, and grew as partners. Our meeting occurred during the pandemic, both of us being creative and artistic souls. We spent a significant amount of time working creatively outdoors, whether building, gardening, or renovating the house. Residing in the Ancestral Territory of the Nlaka'pamux people, remote from others, we draw inspiration from the surrounding, trees, animals, and sounds. This environment allows us the time to collectively and soulfully dream up each project.
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My Grandmother
When the ancestors say go, you go! As an Indigenous woman affected Western worldviews, I strive to reclaim aspects of my identity, such as my language. I spent much time with my grandmother during my childhood. She knew very little English; her first language was nłeʔkepmxcin. She would speak to me in nłeʔkepmxcin, and I would reply English, as if there was an unspoken knowing of not to respond in our language.
I have this strong memory of watching her, the sun towering behind her as she worked the soil with her hand plow, the warmth on my face, and the weight of my long hair against my back. I remember many things about her but mostly the comfort she brought me the feeling of home and safeness. When she left this earth I felt a large part of me leave too, but I want to remember her and honor her. This business is dedicated to her reminding myself and my family that we were raised strong and we can push through adversity even when the world chooses to push against us.
SÓX̣ʷM̓
So in dedicating this business to her, I sought recordings from our Nlaka'pamux elders, searching for words that reminded me of her. I played through many but one stopped me in my tracks a familiar voice. A knowing filled my body the tears filled my eyes; it was her. I marveled at the dialect, now lost to time, unique to our elders. I discovered the word for wild sunflower/arrow leaf balsamroot, SÓX̣ʷM̓ it was my own grandmothers voice. Overwhelmed, I cried, hand over heart, feeling her guidance, presence, as sign I was on the right path.
We love you Grandma
When the ancestors say go, you go! As an Indigenous woman affected Western worldviews, I strive to reclaim aspects of my identity, such as my language. I spent much time with my grandmother during my childhood. She knew very little English; her first language was nłeʔkepmxcin. She would speak to me in nłeʔkepmxcin, and I would reply English, as if there was an unspoken knowing of not to respond in our language.
I have this strong memory of watching her, the sun towering behind her as she worked the soil with her hand plow, the warmth on my face, and the weight of my long hair against my back. I remember many things about her but mostly the comfort she brought me the feeling of home and safeness. When she left this earth I felt a large part of me leave too, but I want to remember her and honor her. This business is dedicated to her reminding myself and my family that we were raised strong and we can push through adversity even when the world chooses to push against us.
SÓX̣ʷM̓
So in dedicating this business to her, I sought recordings from our Nlaka'pamux elders, searching for words that reminded me of her. I played through many but one stopped me in my tracks a familiar voice. A knowing filled my body the tears filled my eyes; it was her. I marveled at the dialect, now lost to time, unique to our elders. I discovered the word for wild sunflower/arrow leaf balsamroot, SÓX̣ʷM̓ it was my own grandmothers voice. Overwhelmed, I cried, hand over heart, feeling her guidance, presence, as sign I was on the right path.
We love you Grandma
