My name is Tyee Joseph and I come from the Quw’utsun village comiaken and Squamish village of Xwemelch’stn (warrior village/home of the giants). My parents are Lyla Harman (nee Brown) and Floyd Joseph, hereditary chief of Squamish Xwemelch’stn. On my matrilineal side my grandparents are Karen Larson (nee Gonzales) and Darrel Jones. On my patrilineal side my grandparents are Margery Rose Tom (parents: Chief Jon Tom and Martha White) and Larry Stanley Joseph. 

My passion and deep appreciation for nature started at a young age, I grew up exploring the many trails around my parent’s property near Glenora creek and found myself fascinated by the complexity of forest ecosystems. I also gained a deep appreciation for salmon and the other amazing critters that live in our waters from my father telling stories about the wonders of the underwater world. What really interests me is the relationship between plants and animals. I found it amazing that a plant can produce sugars from the sun and that we could eat said plant to gain energy. This passion is still with me as I find myself exploring the mountain sides of Xwaaqw’um, monitoring wetland ecosystems, and learning so much from partners and experts in their field.  

Working with Steeqye’ learning society has been such an amazing experience, I am so excited and blessed to be on the land. To be able to work with the land and to be a part of the change I want to see for future generations. My hope is for our youth to be able to see and feel the beauty and caring love of Mother Nature. To experience everything, she can offer spiritually and culturally is what I would love to see. And hopefully with your help and the help of our partners we can make this dream a reality. By taking care of our environment, we are taking care of ourselves and the future generations