Squamish Elders Gathering

Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PDT

Bowen Island Library – Annex, 430 Bowen Trunk Rd., Bowen Island, BC, V0N1G0, Canada

Published by Bowen Island Public Library

Please Register Below. Get to know a small group of Elders and youth from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Squamish Nation as they share experiences and stories from their lives. Bring your questions. The group will share and answer questions for 90 minutes, followed by time to mingle and meet. Don’t miss this valuable event to hear from and get to know Squamish People. Please reach out to info@bowenlibrary.ca if you have any questions. Presented by the Bowen Island Public Library. Generously funded by the Bowen Island Community Foundation. Interested in this topic? Join our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh History Book Club. About Tlatlakwot Christine Baker — Tlatlakwot grew up and now lives back in Sta’msh in the Squamish Valley. Her parents are Pauline (Bee) and Bob Baker (Kiyowil). She lived on the North Shore for over 25 years and she has four children and three grandchildren. She worked with the Squamish Nation for 40 years from the Squamish Valley Cultural Centre to Employment & Training, and then becoming Manager for Ta na wa Ch’áwat ta Sx̱wéx̱wel Squamish Valley Operations. She has a passion for community issues and continues to be involved in various Squamish initiatives. Now semi-retired, Tlatlakwot remains involved in planning and gathering with the Squamish Valley Elders. She was nominated by the Squamish Valley Elders to be a representative on the Xwí7ski Elders Program Action Team in June 2024 and hopes to continue supporting effective Elders programming for everyone. Lawrence Walker — Lawrence is the grandson of George and Edith Johnston and the son of Pauline Johnston. He was raised in East Vancouver and stayed connected with his Squamish family and extended Tsawout family throughout his life. He continued to stay connected to the Squamish Nation through his family including his daughter Jessica, aunties and uncles, and cousins, and was able to move back home earlier this year. Lawrence joined the Xwí7ski Elders Program Action Team in June 2024 where he contributes his knowledge and passion for supporting Elders living away from home. Lawrence is proud of his Squamish grandparents and great grandparents, four wonderful children (two boys and two girls) and his nine amazing grandchildren. His inspiration is his Squamish spirit. Sulseelsamat Gladys “Flo” Williams — Flo was born and raised in Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo) and is currently living on the Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) Reserve. During her time on the Nanaimo reservation, she attended Saint Mary’s residential school for over a year. Flo was taught by many people in her family and the community and brings rich cultural knowledge. She is passionate about protecting her cultural history and sharing her traditional knowledge, teachings, and stories to empower Youth. Flo worked in health care for 27 years before returning home to Squamish Nation in 2013. These years shaped her strong commitment to caregiving and empathy, which she brings to her current role as an Elder in Residence with the Squamish Nation Yuustway Health & Wellness department. Mestl’áxwts Jessica Walker — Jessica is the daughter of Lawrence and Joanne Walker and the granddaughter of the late Pauline ‘Penny’ Johnston. She grew up in Surrey and Saskatchewan and is a proud auntie to nine nieces and nephews. Jessica has worked for the Squamish Nation for nearly six years including as a Social Worker with Ayás Mén̓men Child and Family Services, Planner Ta na wa Shéway I7x̱w ta Úxwumixw Planning and Capital Projects, and is now the Cultural Support Practitioner at Capilano Little Ones School. She has been learning about traditional plant use, Coast Salish weaving, and is currently in the diploma program for the Squamish language. She is grateful for the teachings from her family, Elders, and dear friends. Jessica is a Youth representative on Xwí7ski the Elders Program Action Team where she continues learning from the Elders and actively supporting the important work that the group is doing.