Xwélmexw Hakw’eles: “Remembering Ourselves” — Transformation and Other Indigenous Governing Principles

Wenona Hall is a member of the Sq’ewqéyl First Nation and is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Indigenous Studies Department at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Hall is a mother to three young adults Jade, Justice and Alexis, and is the oldest grand-daughter of Gordon and Blossom Hall. Her parents are Bob Hall Sr. (Sq’ewqéyl) and Donna Kickbush (Settler).  

Charlene Aleck is a member of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and is also from Cheam. She is currently serving her fourth term as a Councillor for the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation. She is a mother of four and a grandmother. Her (late) parents are Joe and Irene Aleck and her maternal Grandparents are Chief Dan George and Amy George. Her paternal grandparents are Fred Cheer & Cecelia Thomas. Charlene is also an actress, who you may recognize from her role in the CBC TV series Beachcombers.

Rueben George is a member of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and an internationally known activist and Sun Dance Chief. He is the son of Amy George and Terry Baker and his Maternal grandparents are Chief Dan George and Amy George. Rueben is the author of the bestselling memoir It Stops Here: Standing Up for Our lands, Our Waters and Our People (2023). 

Gabriel George is a member of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). He is the Director of Treaty, Lands and Resources, and a member of the Sacred Trust. Gabriel holds a Masters in Education, and his greatest passion is passing on the rich culture and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language. He is the son of Leonard and Susan George; his paternal grandparents are Chief Dan George and Amy George. Gabriel is well known as a gifted orator who shares his teachings that have led to many reclamation and changing landscape projects.