Poetry Workshop with the Líl̓wat Literacy Class

It was a true privilege to be invited by Marcy Ptolemy, the professor of the Líl̓wat Literacy class at Capilano University. To facilitate a poetry workshop at the Ts̓zil Language and Culture Centre in Mount Currie, British Colombia, Canada. I was welcomed with such generosity, warmth and open arms by the Líl̓wat Nation. Marcy is a backbone of the community. A woman whose heart touches souls and the land like a gentle wind on a hot summer’s day. Her deep love for her community shines through in all that she does, and I feel incredibly grateful for the care, generosity and connection she shared with me.

I do not take this opportunity for granted. It meant so much to be welcomed with open arms and to have the chance to create, share knowledge and explore poetry with the group.

The workshop became a beautiful opportunity to share poetry, stories and creative expression while learning from the people around me. Together, we made space for words, stories, memories and imagination. We explored how poetry can help us connect with ourselves, with one another and with the places we call home. Surrounded by the beauty of Mount Currie and welcomed by the Líl̓wat Nation, the workshop became something much more than a writing session. It was an exchange of creativity, knowledge and trust.

Mount Currie—known as Líl̓wat in the Líl̓wat language is surrounded by the mountains, rivers and forests of the traditional territory of the Líl̓wat Nation. The landscape carries a strong sense of presence, connection and history, and it was impossible not to feel inspired by the beauty of the area. Together, we explored poetry as a way to express memory, identity, place and belonging. We played with words, listened to one another’s stories and created space for each voice to be heard.

I am deeply grateful to the Líl̓wat Literacy class, Capilano University and the Ts̓zil Language and Culture Centre for the invitation. The welcome and the generosity shared with me. It was an experience I will carry with me with great respect and gratitude.

Thank you to Marcy, the Líl̓wat Literacy class, Capilano University and the Ts̓zil Language and Culture Centre for this meaningful invitation and for the warmth extended to me. I am deeply honoured to have been part of it.

Warm regards,

Steph