iskwist spaxwawlm/ my name is Northern Lights. My English name is Krystal Lezard, owner and operator of
Spaxwawlm Indigenous Initiatives
Good day to everyone, and thank you so much for visiting my portfolio to learn more about the work I do. It has been a remarkable 20 years collaborating with others and sharing the abundance of intricate teachings, diverse customs and memorable lifestyle of syilx people. With all my wild heart and soul my life's work brings me tremendous joy, challenge, new experiences and many prayers answered. I have been preparing all my life to do the work that I do. There are of course times that have been extremely difficult to navigate in sharing syilx knowledge and aspects of natural resources we all share within the Okanagan Valley. Regardless of the difficulties, I absolutely love being an advocate for syilx traditional territory, language and culture. I work collectively with my nation, relatives, community and new learners.
To me, new learners come from all different walks and stages of life, they are the ones who also see value in learning about syilx nation. I work with new learners to the best of my ability because there was a time not long ago, it was not safe to share our stories, language and culture. The conversations between syilx people and the public are long over due, with enormous amounts of missing information.
The blessings I have received from the work I do materialize most often in the form of shared experiences, laughter, and newfound understandings of who syilx people are. My artist abilities and wealth of knowledge are a reflection of the mentorship and support I have received within my lifetime.