b'2022 INDSPIRE LAUREATES2022 INDSPIRE LAUREATES CULTURE, HERITAGE & SPIRITUALITY Dr. Siyamiyateliot Elizabeth PhillipsXwchy:m Cheam First Nation, BC The talented and inspirational recipients of Indspires 2022 Awards programThat makes my life worthwhile, I would say. All the work Ive done.Even if its only one wordthat is the beginning.Called a St:l national treasure, Elder, Dr. Siyamiyateliot Elizabeth Phillips has spent more than 50 years preserving, revitalizing and transmitting the Halqemylem language. She is the last fluent speaker and has been working on this critically important legacy since the 1970s, when she helped the original Coqualeetza Elders to gather Halqemylem words.In the 1980s, Elder Siyamiyateliot was part of the Elders group that developed a Halqemylem writing system. Prior to their efforts, there was no written expression for Halqemylem. In an effort to reverse the trend of language extinction created by the residential school system, she has worked extensively with students, linguists, professors, St:l Shxweli, and the innovative Good Medicine Songs Performers, translating numerous texts into Halqemylem while working on materials that were invaluable to language teachers. Elder Siyamiyateliot has been recorded speaking Halqemylem on film and as an ultrasound recording, enabling following generations of students to see exactly how certain Halqemylem sounds are made.Elder Siyamiyateliot gives generously throughout the community and is recognized for her deep spiritual connection to the land, the river, the salmon and the people. She is also a highly proficient Salish Wool Weaver, widely sharing both her skills and her weaving work. In recognition of her lifelong efforts, she received an Honorary Doctorate in 2018 from the University of the Fraser Valley, and UFVs Student Union Society created an award in her name: The Elizabeth Phillips Seeking Indigenous Reconciliation Award.2022indspiration25'