Grizzlypaws

Grizzlypaws was born and raised in Lillooet, British Columbia in the Interior Plateau region, she is of St’át’imc descent. Her St’át’imc name is “Stálhalamcen – Grizzly Paws,” She belongs to the people of Xwisten the Bear Clan.

At the age of sixteen, Grizzlypaws began to relearn the St’át’imc traditions her passion grew stronger in education and the heritage of her people it became a way of life. She is a dancer, singer/songwriter, academic, educator and a language and cultural advocate and now a published author.

The experiences in her education provided her with the knowledge and skills with a focus on providing her recipients with the highest quality of cultural education based on the values and needs of the community while meeting the deliverables of the organization or project goals. Thorough knowledge of education and cultural values make way for a clear vision of the cultural expressions of the St’át’imc songs, oral traditions, storytelling, dances and the social interactions of the people.

The creative metaphorical relationship of the spirit of the bear to Laura is an expression of the art of walking in two worlds and balancing the physical with the spiritual.

“I walked where the Grizzly Bear dances. I feel his pleasure, excitement and freedom on the earth and in the wind that carries his messages from the past. I dance where the Grizzly Bear danced his steps leaving an ancestral footprint on the land like a cellular memory in my blood. His face is a shadow that calls to me as the wind calls his name “St’álhalam.” The Grizzly Bear he sings his songs as we unite under his skin. I now walk where he left his ancestral footprints. I heard his prayer; I felt his pain; I am his anger; I am his hope; I am his faith. He now dances upon the earth, now, only where I leave my ancestral footprints.”

Her education background consists of a Master of Education in Education Foundation Land Based Education (2011); Bachelor of General Studies Degree Double Minor Linguistics & First Nation Studies (2007); Bachelor of Education Degree in Curriculum Development & Instruction (2007); Professional Development Teaching Certificate (2006); Language Proficiency Certificate (2003); Counselling & Wellness Certificate (2003). Laura was also granted a Language Heroes award for the British Columbia Salishan language family. Her educational accomplishments were made possible through the balance of traditional and spiritual practices of her St’át’imc cultural heritage. Followed by her academic credentials Grizzlypaws was recognized through the Indigenous Music Awards (2019) and awarded for the category “Best Hand Drum Music” for her album debut “Come Home”. Not long later she released her latest album “Muzmit.stumc” (2019); dedicated to reversing language loss. Grizzlypaws has a balanced lifestyle, socially and mentally strengthening her resilience as a fitness athlete. She competed in the Natural BC Cup, Canadian Physique Alliance of Bodybuilding successfully placing in the top three (2019) as a bikini athlete. Grizzlypaws was inducted into the Wall of Fame at the University of Saskatchewan Alumini (2020) for her athletic achievements and the recognition of the Indigenous work she offers globally.  Grizzlypaws competed in the World Beauty Fashion & Fitness competition in Calgary Alberta taking home two “Best of the Best Gold Medals” and 2nd and 3rd places. She is currently preparing for her next competition scheduled in Orlando, Florida (2023). In addition to her creative skills, she recently published her first children’s paperback book “Sulyalesta”. Her book is intended to enhance the cultural knowledge of St’at’imc language, honor past generations of Indigenous language speakers, and encourage present and future generations to preserve St’at’imc language and culture.

She is currently studying at Simon Fraser University enrolled in the Doctor of Education Leadership Program. Her educational accomplishments gained were made possible through the balance of traditional and spiritual practices of her St’át’imc cultural heritage.

Testimonials

Laura Grizzly Paws, visited Shuswap Middle School, for our day of Indigenous Learning and Winter Wellness event, held February 8, 2018. One of the most noted moments was in the morning, during the keynote address. She connected with students and staff in a powerful way, by sharing her education and life journey. By honestly sharing the obstacles that impacted her life, Laura demonstrated how education, culture and identity can help one to overcome adversity. She shared how the empathy of one teacher, made a difference and helped turn her life around. When culture and identity are woven together it brings balance to our inner medicine wheel. In addition to a powerful keynote address, Laura did an amazing interactive workshop that included drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling. She encouraged students to respect Indigenous culture and find one’s own cultural identity as part of healthy cultural sharing and balance with education.

In the words of our Principal, Wendy Woodhurst: “Laura Grizzly Paws is one of the most inspiring speakers I have seen in my 30 year career”.

“Kukstemc Laura, for coming to our school and sharing your journey and cultural teachings in a humble, respectful and powerful way.” Tara Willard, Indigenous Education Worker, Shuswap Middle School