On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Angie Dawson.

In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Capilano reserve, painting a vivid picture of life in a home with ten family members. Angie opens up about her incredible educational journey, returning to university at age 50 to earn her Graduate Diploma and Master’s degree. She discusses her relentless advocacy for Indigenous-based curriculum and her refusal to accept the status quo in the education system. We also dive into her passion for wool weaving, from her early days learning to creating massive commissioned pieces for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Simon Fraser University.

This is a story about breaking barriers, the drive to get stuff done, and the vital importance of passing knowledge down to the next generation.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Angie for sharing her journey, her humor, and her unwavering strength with us.

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Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) Childhood on the Capilano Reserve

(12:15) Family & Parents’ History

(29:20) School Days & Challenges

(32:45) Returning to Education

(47:30) Learning to Weave

(01:03:55) The Wool Woven Quarter Bag

(01:19:15) Weaving Connections in Mexico

(01:24:55) Advice for the Next Generation

(01:37:32) What Ceremony Means Today

(01:43:20) Thoughts on Leadership & Inclusion

(01:48:40) Dedication & Closing