Fraser Valley – If things had turned out a little differently, Naxaxalhts’i Albert ‘Sonny’ McHalsie might have been one of B.C.’s top mechanics rather than a highly valued interpreter of Stó:lō people’s culture and traditions. And much vital knowledge about the culture and history of Indigenous Coast Salish history would have been lost.
Because he chose a different path, and for almost four decades has played a key role in bridging Indigenous and western approaches to preserving stories and culture, much has been saved.
In recognition of his efforts and contributions, Naxaxalhts’i received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the Fraser Valley on June 14, 2023.
For Naxaxalhts’i, much of his work is focused on promoting cultural understanding to support reconciliation.
“For reconciliation to happen, it’s important for non-Stó:lō people to understand that we have a deep rich culture and history on this land, rooted in our teachings, which are passed on through our stories. It is our unique relationship to the land of Stó:lō Temexw that sets us apart,” he says.
He notes that he and many other Indigenous people live in two different paradigms, and encourages non-Indigenous people to recognize the Stó:lō world view.
“In order to co-exist, we ask that non-Indigenous people don’t try to take elements from their belief system to explain or change ours, but rather accept our differences. If they had done that when they first got here, things would have been a lot easier for us.”
Of both Nla’kapmux and Stó:lō heritage, Naxaxalhts’i was always a natural storyteller, a trait inherited from his grandfather Meshkt’ (Antoine McHalsie), who travelled throughout Nla’kapmux territory and beyond sharing stories in the oral tradition.
Naxaxalhts’I is proud of his work, and of maintaining 38 alcohol-free years since starting his job with the Stó:lō people.
“This has been a great job for me, so I decided not to mess it up. I quit drinking the day before I started,” he recalls.
As for receiving an honorary degree from his local university?
“It’s an awesome honour to be recognized so close to home, by a university situated in Stó:lō Temexw, and one that I have done so much work with over the years.”
