Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Author at The Wren

Dionne Phillips

Dionne is Secwépemc on her father’s side and has Nuxalk and Cree roots on her mother’s side. She currently resides in her home territory of the Xats̓úll First Nation. Dionne started her journey of becoming a storyteller as a mentee with Indiginews. Now, she is excited to use the knowledge she learned to tell the stories from all over Secwepemcúl’ecw.

In Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, internship program teaches leadership skills on the land

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Secwépemc ● February 13, 2024

Qwelmínte Secwépemc’s Knowledge Builders Program has grown steadily over the last five years, with teachings ‘grounded and founded in Secwépemc law.’

Three people stand amicably smiling. At centre is a man with a felt hat and long braid wearing a film press badge.

Secwépemc-led documentary ‘Sugarcane’ wins directing award at Sundance

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Secwépemc ● February 2, 2024

Through multiple stories, the film tells the history of the St. Joseph’s Mission — from painful truths about genocide to the love that persists within families.

A painting of a woman with dark skin, short black hair wearing fitness shorts and shirt wearing slippers pulls a bear pelt out of the washing machine in a dark blue green lit basement.

Emerging WLFN artist builds rich Secwépemc worlds through her paintings

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Secwépemc ● January 26, 2024

Michaela Gilbert is still in university, but already making waves as she challenges ‘romanticized’ expectations of Indigenous art.

Kúkwpi7 Willie Sellars recognized for ‘transformative governance’ with provincial award

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● News ● January 20, 2024

The WLFN chief was one six recipients of the 2023 British Columbia Reconciliation Award honoured during a ceremony on Thursday.

Kyé7e Minnie teaching summer program students the numbers in Secwepemctsín. Photo by Dionne Phillips

By teaching Secwepemctsín, Kyé7e Minnie Phillips breathes life into the language

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Community ● December 19, 2023

As a fluent Secwepemctsín speaker, my grandmother’s knowledge is invaluable to her family and the countless students who adore her.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc celebrates grand opening of on-reserve grocery store: ‘a source of pride’

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Community ● November 16, 2023

The Sweláps Market incorporates Secwépemc language and culture while providing a convenient food option for the community.

WLFN-owned company brings a decolonial lens to archaeology: ‘We need Indigenous knowledge’

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● In-depth ● November 14, 2023

From smudging on site to employing band members, Sugar Cane Archaeology is demonstrating a new way forward in a historically-extractive industry.

The McDougall Creek Wildfire burning above the hills in West Kelowna on Aug. 17, reflected in Okanagan Lake.

Wildfires impact Secwépemc food sovereignty, but community leans on ‘trusting in our ways’

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Community ● October 24, 2023

Dawn Morrison of the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty speaks about climate change and how it’s impacting living from the land

Four people sit behind a podium with microphones for the film panel.

Tk’emlúps film panel reflects on the power of storytelling and a ‘golden age’ for Indigenous cinema

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Secwépemc ● October 17, 2023

The film panel was part of the Stseptékwles re Sk’elép (Coyote Stories) Indigenous Film Festival hosted by KFS and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

New film documents Siksika woman’s journey competing in male-dominated horse races

By Dionne Phillips Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Secwépemc ● October 5, 2023

‘Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before The Sun,’ which follows Logan Red Crow as she competes in Indian Relay Races, is being screened at VIFF this week.

Dionne Phillips

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