Mary Jane Joe is from the Joeyaska Indian Reserve #2.

Her nation is Ntle'kepmx (Interior Salish) and her name is Nk'xetko. She is a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band from Merritt, B.C.

 

She attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School for twelve years in Kamloops, B.C. This was a traumatic and devastating experience, and she has spent her life reconnecting with her family, culture, and traditions. Healing has mainly come through a connection with the Creator as taught by her grandmother. 

 

After getting married she lived in the Yukon for fifteen years, where she raised her two children and learned many wonderful arts and crafts from the Elders.  Becoming a quilter and making crafts opened doors for her so she could teach the arts in classrooms throughout Vancouver.  Sharing her cultural teachings and lessons to students of all ages helps bridge gaps between all nations.

 

Nk'xetko completed a B.Ed and M.A. at UBC where she worked with NITEP for seven years. Then she taught at Langara College in the Aboriginal Studies Program, where she also serves as Mentor, tutor and Elder in Residence for the Indigenous students.

 

Through the program “Music Champions” she works with teachers to include the drum beat, music and storytelling in their curriculum. 

 

She is married and living in Musqueam.