Studio23 will take place on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Tsawaysia Spukwus whose English name is known as Alice (nee Harry) Guss, is a Squamish Nation member.
“My late father, ‘Ernie Harry’, Pekultn was a Hereditary Chief from the Seymour Creek area of the lower mainland of British Columbia. My family is strong, committed, and active in the preservation of our Culture and Heritage.
“My mom, ‘Gwen Harry’ and late Father ‘Ernie Harry’ are Squamish Nation members who has nurtured and guided their family of seven children, including Alice (Harry) Guss to participate in all aspects of First Nations culture, language, community, governance, education, traditional art forms, healing, recreation, singing, drumming, dancing and storytelling.”
With over 20 years working with First Nation’s communities as a Director of Education and 15 years delivering Sacred Drum making workshops, Tsawaysia is masterful at bringing innovative learning opportunities to all people through workshops, drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling. She is a participant in healing Tribal Journeys and more recently co-produced a number of documentaries including Squamish Nation: Stories from the Heart, Tribal Journeys, During the 2010 Olympics she coordinated her Family’s Sea Going Canoe Pekultn display, in honour of her late father Ernie Harry (Pekultn).