Stewart Gonzales: Reconcilation and Listening

Stewart Gonzales, who carries the traditional name Semplúyan, is a proud Two-Spirited Elder and member of the Squamish Nation with family connections to the Musqueam Nation. He was born and raised in North Vancouver and is a residential school survivor. After attending St. Paul’s Indian Day School from 1966 to 1968, Semplúyan then attended Sechelt Residential School from 1968 to 1971. Through personal narrative, Semplúyan will share his experiences as a residential school survivor and his journey of healing to help us understand reconciliation and our shared history. He has dedicated much time to working with and empowering Indigenous youth through sharing culture and language from his Squamish Nation community. He is also a role model to other two-spirited men and those in recovery. Semplúyan was elected as a General Councillor for the Squamish Nation during the September 2021 election.