Author, Educator, and Learner
Hello! My name is Samantha Beynon. As Indigenous peoples, we are taught to locate ourselves first. Before we speak about our work, our titles, or our achievements, we share where we come from. I was born and raised on La̱x Kxeen, colonially known as Prince Rupert, BC, on the ancestral lands of the Ts’msyen Peoples. I am matrilineally Nisg̱a’a from the G̱anada (Frog/Raven) Clan and belong to Wilps Ax̱dii Wil Luug̱ooda, The House That Is Always Full. I am a registered citizen under the Ging̱olx Village Government. I would not have been able to go to school without the financial and community support of my Nation, and I do not take that lightly. Being able to keep learning feels like a gift. I know it is possible because of my ancestors and everything they carried so I could be here. I am now a visitor on the unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. I have never been invited, so I locate myself as a visitor rather than a guest. Being a visitor means listening, learning, building real relationships, and finding ways to give back in meaningful ways.
Sim’algax̱, meaning “the real language,” is the language of the Nisg̱a’a Nation, and Sm’algya̱x is spoken by the Ts’msyen people. Like many families, mine was affected by colonial policies that disrupted language learning. I am now on my own journey of strengthening my language. I practice words out loud. I ask questions. I try again when I get it wrong. Although I am connected to both sides of my family, I feel most deeply connected to my mother’s Nisg̱a’a side culturally and spiritually. Our Nation has worked hard to create beautiful language resources so learners like me can continue growing. If you would like to learn more about the Nisg̱a’a language, please visit: https://nisgaalanguage.ca/
I love picture books because kids don’t just read the words, they take in everything. They look closely at the pictures. They notice details adults move past. They ask direct, honest questions. Picture books are meant to be read out loud. They sit on beds, couches, and classroom floors. They are shared. That matters to me. As Indigenous peoples, we learn through story and connection, and picture books naturally create that space. I always loved stories, even when school felt hard. Writing books has been part of returning to that steady place and continuing to learn. It has taken time, many revisions, and learning how publishing works. I’ve been grateful for the recognition along the way, but what matters most is that the stories feel honest and connected to community. I don’t see them as something I invented on my own or as mine alone. The stories were already there, in land, language, and family. They are shaped by those teachings and by the people who walk alongside the work.
Sim’algax̱, meaning “the real language,” is the language of the Nisg̱a’a Nation, and Sm’algya̱x is spoken by the Ts’msyen people. Like many families, mine was affected by colonial policies that disrupted language learning. I am now on my own journey of strengthening my language. I practice words out loud. I ask questions. I try again when I get it wrong. Although I am connected to both sides of my family, I feel most deeply connected to my mother’s Nisg̱a’a side culturally and spiritually. Our Nation has worked hard to create beautiful language resources so learners like me can continue growing. If you would like to learn more about the Nisg̱a’a language, please visit: https://nisgaalanguage.ca/
I love picture books because kids don’t just read the words, they take in everything. They look closely at the pictures. They notice details adults move past. They ask direct, honest questions. Picture books are meant to be read out loud. They sit on beds, couches, and classroom floors. They are shared. That matters to me. As Indigenous peoples, we learn through story and connection, and picture books naturally create that space. I always loved stories, even when school felt hard. Writing books has been part of returning to that steady place and continuing to learn. It has taken time, many revisions, and learning how publishing works. I’ve been grateful for the recognition along the way, but what matters most is that the stories feel honest and connected to community. I don’t see them as something I invented on my own or as mine alone. The stories were already there, in land, language, and family. They are shaped by those teachings and by the people who walk alongside the work.
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
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)
Contact Samantha
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