Harriet Nahanee facts for kids
Harriet Nahanee, also known as Tseybayotl-t, was an important Indigenous rights and environmental activist. She was born on December 7, 1935, in British Columbia, Canada. Harriet belonged to the Pacheedaht First Nation, who are part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous peoples from Vancouver Island.
As a child, Harriet attended residential schools. These schools were often very difficult places for Indigenous children. She later spoke out about the poor treatment she experienced there. Harriet married into the Squamish people (Sḵwxwú7mesh).
Harriet Nahanee was a strong voice for her community and the environment. In January 2007, she was involved in a protest. This protest was against the expansion of the Sea-to-Sky Highway at Eagleridge Bluffs. She was held for a short time because of her activism. A week after her release, she became very ill with pneumonia. Doctors then found out she also had lung cancer. Harriet passed away on February 24, 2007, in Vancouver. She died from pneumonia and other health issues.
Many people believed that Harriet's health worsened while she was held. She had been weak from the flu and asthma before this. There were calls for a special investigation into her passing. Government officials expressed sadness about her death. However, they did not agree to a special investigation at that time.
Harriet Nahanee's Legacy and Words
Harriet Nahanee left behind powerful words. She wanted future generations to be proud of their heritage. She believed in teaching young people their culture.
Reclaiming Culture and Pride
Harriet often spoke about the importance of cultural pride. She wanted Indigenous people to reclaim their traditions. She hoped children would grow up with a strong sense of identity.
What I would like to see is people with [traditional] knowledge to teach the small, little people how to grow up with pride. This generation is lost. My generation is lost − they're assimilated. They don't think like an Indian. What I'd like to see is our five-year-olds being taught their language, their songs, their games, their spirituality, their Indian, eh, their Indian-ness. I'd like to ask all the people out there to reclaim their culture − practice it, teach the children, and let's reclaim our backbone, our culture and put some pride in our children.
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