I am Suqinaqen Syilx from Westbank First Nation a descendant of Julia May McDougall (my Great Grandmother(Granddaughter of John McDouagall) and Mickey (Edward Michael) Derickson - My Paternal Grandfather Richard Derickson told me stories of his McDougall family. He loved his Grandmother whom he told me made buckskin beaded gloves piled high where she sat. John and Amelia ran the first trading post in Kelowna during the fur brigade. My family worked the trapline, were artists, craftsmen/women and outdoors people. My Grandfather spoke of his Grandmother speaking five languages (Okanagan, Shuswap, French, English and Chinook). I am inspired being an artist/ performer and instructor with two degrees (Fine Arts/Indigenous Studies to open an online Trading Post in my families name. The relationship built between the communities to educate, guide and trade (in commerce of the day) fine native arts, crafts and not to mention the (native foods and herbs) while enjoying life and this great land of my ancestors this is my goal inspired by my ancestors.
