The L’il’wata Series

Told in the Lil̓wat7úl language and featuring a series of still images, this short documentary follows master Stl'atl'imx (Lilwat) basket maker Mathilda Jim creating a functional work of art.

People of the L'il'wat First Nation share personal narratives about their culture, history, education and the impact of residential schools.

Close-up photographs of baskets, tools and utensils used in the past and still used today by the Stl'atl'imx (Lilwat), part of a multimedia kit entitled L'ilawat.

An intimate portrait of Marie Leo, a Sto:lo woman adopted into a Lilwat family as a baby. Marie’s gentle narrative of her remarkable early childhood demonstrates a deep connection to culture, land and family that continues to endure.

Elder Marie Leo recounts the process of preparing for womanhood on the Líl̓wat Nation near Mount Currie, BC. The various tasks and duties she undertakes demonstrate the complex, beautiful journey a young Líl̓wat person undergoes.

Expert fishers for their entire lives, Stl'atl'imx (Lilwat) Elders Cora and Daniel Wells share their deep knowledge of salmon fishing, cleaning and smoking.

Accompanied by a song in the Lilwat7ul language, we follow a woman as she makes gwushum, a Stl'atl'imx (Lilwat) dessert and a very special treat.