by Cori Derickson

Stimtəmaʔ 13 Grandmother Moons is a profound and multidisciplinary exploration that bridges the realms of cultural, spiritual, historical, and educational knowledge, rooted deeply in the traditions of the Syilx people. Based on my graduate research at UBCO, completed in November 2018, this work delves into the wisdom of my ancestors from both sides of the 49th parallel, encompassing the Okanagan Suknaqin/Colville Plateau territory.

This publication is a rich, layered investigation of the (captikwəɬ) — a holistic approach that intertwines diverse disciplines such as anthropology, environmental studies, and the arts. Through extensive research, I revisited traditional stories, particularly focusing on the work of my Great Great Grandmother, Mourning Dove, and her seminal collection Coyote Stories, Tales of the Okanagan.

A key highlight of this study is the performance of the "Chipmunk and Owl Woman" story, which I presented as a one-woman performance. Delivered in its traditional style, it captured the essence of oral storytelling, engaging intergenerational audiences while honoring the rich cultural practices of my people.

Stimtəmaʔ 13 Grandmother Moons is not just a scholarly work; it is a celebration of the power of storytelling, a tribute to my ancestors, and an invitation to explore the transformative power of Indigenous knowledge through the arts.