UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
New Book Release Celebrates Knowledge of Carrier and Sekani Elders

Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), together with community partners, Elders, knowledge holders, Caitlin Press, and UNBC researchers, is celebrating the release of TS'IYEWH TS'HILHTUS: Strength for All, a landmark publication that shares the stories, teachings, and lived experiences of Carrier and Sekani Elders. 

Funded in part by the Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research), the book was developed through a multi-year research project focused on strengthening mental wellness and suicide prevention for Elders in B.C.'s Northern Interior. The project was a continuation of previous CSFS and UNBC research collaborations which looked at how to enhance health and wellness in Dakelh communities across the age spectrum, including children, youth and adults.

CSFS CAO Dr. Travis Holyk, an Adjunct Professor in UNBC's Department of First Nations Studies, was Principal Investigator on the Strength for All research project, Dr. Sarah de Leeuw, a UNBC professor in UBC's Northern Medical Program, was Co-Primary Investigator and also co-authored the book.

"This book reflects the strength, knowledge, and generosity of the Elders who entrusted their stories to this project," says Dr. Warner Adam, CSFS CEO and UNBC Honourary Degree recipient. "Their voices carry teachings that have sustained our Nations through tremendous and tumultuous change. By sharing these stories, we honour our Elders and help ensure that future generations can continue learning from their wisdom and live to their fullest potential as Yinka Dene." 

"The idea for the book came roughly 20 years ago when we first started discussing the importance of having local teaching materials to accompany healing services we were developing," notes Holyk. "It was the vision of our research advisory committee, made up of individuals from 11 area First Nations, that a book recognizing the stories of Elders, and something future generations could be proud of, was needed."

"These are some of the most phenomenal and inspiring Elders that I've ever worked alongside," says de Leeuw. "It's amazing to see these powerful voices and stories on the public record. During my many years of working with CSFS, I've seen first-hand a huge gap in First Nations' voices and knowledges on the record about North Central British Columbia. This book is one step towards closing the gap."