Role
2022 Keynote Speaker
Vancouver-based Lynda Gray of the Ts’msyen Nation is the author of First Nations 101, now in its second edition (2022). Her book is used in classrooms, organizations and among individuals seeking an overview of Indigenous historic and current life.
Gray served as the Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) for 8 years, and currently serves on the National Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Advisory Circle. She also gives presentations about anti-racism, education, how to become a great ally, and social issues to an array of audiences.
First Nations 101 details colonial interventions which were used in an attempt to assimilate Indigenous people into mainstream Canadian society, and to erase their languages, cultures, traditional knowledge, and existence. As a result, long-term challenges and unresolved traumas have ensued. Gray offers hope for the future by pointing out ways in which societies, as a whole, can work towards healing for Indigenous people and true reconciliation.
Having been warmly invited to be a keynote speaker for the 2022 Dhahan Prize ceremonies, Gray notes similarities in the experiences of immigrant communities, some of which also experienced the lasting effects of colonization and discrimination. She observes that, while colonization has affected many, many have also shown resilience by looking to their cultures and traditions to help (re)build healthy families and communities. And, while we may have unique cultures, art and literature help celebrate our commonalities and build community.
“Publishing opens avenues to provide missing information on history, how history affects us today, and ensures diverse views, knowledge, and experiences are known and shared.”
-Lynda Gray
