Author, Educator, and Learner
Aam wil bakwsim̓ (Welcome) to My Page!
I'm a First Nations learner, educator, author, mom, and wife, and all of those things are connected for me. I was born and raised on La̱x Kxeen, colonially known as Prince Rupert, on my Ts'msyen lands. I am Nisg̱a'a, Ts'msyen, and Irish. Matrilineally, I am Nisg̱a'a from the G̱anada (Frog/Raven) Clan, belonging to Wilps Ax̱dii Wil Luug̱ooda in Ging̱olx. That is where my responsibilities come from, and I am a registered citizen of the Ging̱olx Village Government. My dad's side connects me to Gitlax̱t'aamiks and Lax Kw'alaams, and my mom carries Irish Newfoundlander roots from County Cork, who settled in St. John's before moving west to La̱x Kxeen. My family history also includes Łingít, Welsh, and Swedish ancestry. Over time, I've learned the difference between ancestry and lived identity. I honour all of those parts of my history, but my lived responsibilities are Nisg̱a'a and Ts'msyen, and that is where I come from.
I didn't get here on my own. I'm here because of my ancestors, my family, and my community. My Nisg̱a'a Nation supported me through post-secondary so I could become a teacher, writer and keep learning, and I carry that with me. The work I do grows from those relationships and is grounded in collaboration.
Here you'll find books, classroom resources, lesson plans, and projects that continue to teach me. I'm glad you're here.
- Sam
I'm a First Nations learner, educator, author, mom, and wife, and all of those things are connected for me. I was born and raised on La̱x Kxeen, colonially known as Prince Rupert, on my Ts'msyen lands. I am Nisg̱a'a, Ts'msyen, and Irish. Matrilineally, I am Nisg̱a'a from the G̱anada (Frog/Raven) Clan, belonging to Wilps Ax̱dii Wil Luug̱ooda in Ging̱olx. That is where my responsibilities come from, and I am a registered citizen of the Ging̱olx Village Government. My dad's side connects me to Gitlax̱t'aamiks and Lax Kw'alaams, and my mom carries Irish Newfoundlander roots from County Cork, who settled in St. John's before moving west to La̱x Kxeen. My family history also includes Łingít, Welsh, and Swedish ancestry. Over time, I've learned the difference between ancestry and lived identity. I honour all of those parts of my history, but my lived responsibilities are Nisg̱a'a and Ts'msyen, and that is where I come from.
I didn't get here on my own. I'm here because of my ancestors, my family, and my community. My Nisg̱a'a Nation supported me through post-secondary so I could become a teacher, writer and keep learning, and I carry that with me. The work I do grows from those relationships and is grounded in collaboration.
Here you'll find books, classroom resources, lesson plans, and projects that continue to teach me. I'm glad you're here.
- Sam
Reviews
“This beautiful book shares the importance of community, pictures and words. They bring you to an understanding of how potlatches help us all know who we are, and continue to be for Indigenous peoples.”
— Carolyn Roberts, educator, speaker, and author of Restorying Education
(Celebrating Potlatches)
“Oolichan Moon is a wonderful story with such simple teachings for all of us... This story teaches all of us that we must only take what is needed and that we should always give something back.”
— Joseph Dandurand, storyteller and author of A Magical Sturgeon
(Oolichan Moon)
“Through the delightful teachings of wise and kind grandparents, the grandchildren, and we, as readers are able to learn about oolichans and their immense cultural value.”
— Nancy Turner, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria, and author of Plants of Haida Gwaii
( Oolichan Moon)
“I had a little tear welling up in my eye as I thought how cool it will be for kids to be reading about part of their culture. This kind of story is long overdue and badly needed.”
— Edward Desson, Fisheries Manager, Nisg̱a’a Fisheries and Wildlife, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government
(Oolichan Moon)
Contact Samantha
I am currently represented by Lisa Rambert-Valaskova at Transatlantic Agency. I am happy to direct any new book or publishing-related inquiries to my agent.
T’ooyaḵsiy̓ n̓iin, (Thank you)
T’ooyaḵsiy̓ n̓iin, (Thank you)
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