Description
Carrier and Sekani Peoples have always lived, thrived, and overseen lands and waters in the vast territories of north-central British Columbia. Elders are central to every happening across Carrier and Sekani territories. Elders are vital forces that hold families, communities, and Nations together. Stories are integral to Carrier and Sekani ways of knowing and being; the words of Elders are simultaneously deep archives of past experience and a wealth of knowledge for future generations.
Tsawyewh Ts’eelthis: Strength For All holds the stories of 37 Carrier and Sekani Elders, each of whom is beautifully photographed in places and with people close to their hearts. The Elders’ stories, the likes of which have never before been documented in written book form, provide profound insight into peoples who have always lived with strength and courage. Who have been guided by values of respect, responsibility, caring, compassion, sharing, wisdom, and harmony, values that shape relationships with each other and their never-ceded territories.
This book is a testament to vibrancy, to fortitude, and, in the end, to never giving in or breaking down.
This book is a document for future generations of Carrier and Sekani people to see themselves in, and a gift to anyone wanting to bear witness, to honour, and to better understand the wonderous words and worlds of Carrier and Sekani Peoples.
Most importantly, Tsawyewh Ts’eelthis: Strength For All is a book for Elders to hold in their hands. To love. As they offer their love and strength to this world and beyond.
Award-winning writer and scholar Sarah de Leeuw explores stories, geography, health humanities, and anti-coloniality. She seeks to understand—and address—why some communities thrive while others face poverty, isolation, violence, discrimination, or poor health. De Leeuw grew up on Haida Gwaii, completed high school on Ts’msyen lands, and now divides her time between Lheidli T’enneh/Dakelh Territory (Prince George) and Syilx Territory (Okanagan Centre). As the founder and CEO of Carrier Sekani Family Services, Dr. Warner Adam has addressed Primary Care and Child Welfare needs in Northwestern B.C. for over 36 years, emphasizing holistic healing through Indigenous values and focusing on community capacity building. Dr. Adam’s work is instrumental in the research and design of programs that are culturally based to serve First Nations people. Travis Holyk, Beeskaii, has been working with rural and remote First Nations for over twenty-five years. As Chief Administrative Officer responsible for health, research and quality and innovation at Carrier Sekani Family Services, Travis is a leader in developing and administering innovative health and social programs that continue to have a positive and lasting impact in First Nations communities. Travis is proud to have developed the Carrier Sekani Research Department in 2005, including drafting the original ethics policies. This work has shaped the organization as a leader in community-based research, resulting in numerous research partnerships and initiatives that have improved the wellness of people and nations in various areas of health and social services. Samantha Macpherson is a writer and editor. She holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a BFA in writing with a minor in environmental studies from the University of Victoria. Her creative work has appeared in literary journals across North America and in 2025 she received the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award from the Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop. In 2019, she was a finalist for the Writers’ Trust Journey Prize. Samantha lives in Vancouver, on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh lands. Carla Lewis is Wet’suwet’en, Gitxsan, and British and is registered with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. She lives with her son Levi in Laksilyu clan territory on the shores of Tsil Kaz Co Bin (Burns Lake). She has been passionate about photography since she was a young teen when she fell in love with the click of her dad’s old Pentax and the excitement of seeing an image come to life in a darkroom or lab. Today, Carla utilizes digital photography to create imagery of First Nations people with the intention of showcasing positive imagery of family, culture, and resilience while breaking down stereotypes, exposing injustice and creating love and reconnection to our lands, plants, and animals who we share this world with.