Musqueam People
Klaw-law-we-leth - Trudi Harris-Cornick
(L-R) Klaw-law-we-leth - Trudi Harris-Cornick, Amber Cornick, and Beryl Guerin at c̓əsnaʔəm vigil, 2012.
Photo courtesy Klaw-law-we-leth - Trudi Harris-Cornick.
I am a member of the Musqueam Nation and my traditional name is Klaw-law-we-leth. I share this name with my late grandmother, Gertrude Guerin. I am honoured to work as the Aboriginal Education Cultural Coordinator with the Vancouver School Board. I develop cultural programming and events for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and staff.
It is important that Musqueam, as a community, protects our cultural sites. In 2012, my community held a vigil to prevent development on the ancient village and burial grounds of c̓əsnaʔəm. By standing guard over this site, we wanted to protect our heritage and burial sites.
The time we spent at c̓əsnaʔəm alongside our ancient village strengthened our community. We made many new allies: people who supported us by honking their horns as they passed, waving signs of support, bringing food, sharing their words of encouragement, and standing with us regardless of the weather. Over two hundred days of peaceful demonstration ensured our success in saving a small piece of our ancient village.
Many of our respected elders and community members came out to protect c̓əsnaʔəm daily. They sat, sang, told stories, and taught us about our culture, history, and traditions.
My daughter, Amber Cornick, and I spent as much time as we could at c̓əsnaʔəm after school and work. Singing with my mom, the late Beryl Guerin, my uncle, the late Delbert Guerin, and my daughter were very incredible moments that will forever be in my heart.
My time spent at c̓əsnaʔəm was very special. I became a more involved member of the Musqueam community. Fighting for my ancestors allowed me to reconnect with Musqueam culture today. I am still learning about the many protocols, traditions, teachings, history, stories, and songs that are integral to understanding what it means to be a member of the Musqueam community. The journey of coming to know myself, in relation to who I am and where I come from, is one that I will continue, not only for myself, but for my daughter as well.
Watching my daughter express pride in being Musqueam made me so happy. Her passion extended into her school classroom as she educated her fellow classmates about the significance of c̓əsnaʔəm. It is very important for my daughter and me to continue this process of lifelong learning so that we can build stronger ties to our community.
(L-R) Klaw-law-we-leth - Trudi Harris-Cornick, Amber Cornick, Kim Guerin, and Kweyacan Guerin at c̓əsnaʔəm vigil, 2012. Photocourtsey of Coreen Paul.
c̓əsnaʔəm vigil, 2012. Photo courtesy of Sarah Wai Yee Ling.