Author

Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dionne Phillips is a member of the Xatśūll First Nation where she has the privilege to learn her language and culture from her Xpé7e and her Kyé7e, who is a fluent Secwepemctsín speaker. Dionne studied at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and became an Early Childhood Educator and has spent the last few years working at an Aboriginal Head Start program. She hopes that this mentorship with IndigiNews will allow her to show the children and youth that she has worked with how much they can achieve.

Dionne's Latest Articles

Dancers showcase their orange regalia during a Speaking Our Truth Competition Pow Wow dance special on Sept 9

Ahead of Orange Shirt Day, WLFN powwow dancers don orange regalia as ‘symbol of resilience’

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Secwepemc ● September 19, 2023

Dancers of all ages filled the arbour in T’exelc to display the strength of their cultures while honouring all those affected by residential ‘schools.’

A woman smiles wearing a pink shirt, red earrings and a colourful ribbon skirt at a booth with bright fabrics and goods.

Secwépemc mother and 4 Generations Creations founder finalist for business award

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● September 17, 2023

Ashley Michel started 4 Generations Creations after she realized she had a knack for sewing regalia — now she’s a contestant on Pow Wow Pitch.

All performers, from drummers and dancers to the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, gather on stage at ‘Music for the People’ take the stage

Concert at Tk’emlups te Secwepemc aims to ‘bridge a gap between cultures’

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● September 17, 2023

Hundreds of people attended the event at the powwow arbour — which was free but encouraged donations for IRSSS.

A man stands behind a podium with a mic, cedar boughs and a tapestry are draped from the front.

Healing is first priority after WLFN purchases former residential ‘school’ site

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● September 7, 2023

Kúkwpi7 Sellars says his nation will first make the place where St. Joseph’s Mission once operated safe for ceremony.