Folk Arts - Master Artist - Sarah Peterson

Sarah Peterson is an active member of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, who teaches the nselxcin language, traditional tribal stories, and ancient traditions. She lives on the Lower Similkameen Indian Reserve in Keremeos, British Columbia. Peterson learned the traditions and language of her ancestors from her grandparents and grew up practicing many tribal art forms in her daily life. Peterson’s grandparents were active in community hunts, feasts, and dances. They taught her how to gather food, hunting methods, feast ceremonies and preparations, and dances.

There are hundreds of Salish stories by which children and adults are taught the truths and strengths of their tribe. Peterson learned many stories in the nselxcin language from her family. She helps continue this oral tradition by teaching others the tribe’s stories and legends.

As the recipient of a 2005 Apprenticeship grant, Peterson taught LaRae Wiley traditional tribal stories in the nselxcin language and related traditions. Her teachings focused on language, narrative, and understanding cultural context.

LaRae Wiley lives in Chewelah, Washington and is a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes Lakes Band. She is an accomplished solo-vocalist who has produced two albums on her own label, Humming Tree Productions, and performed at numerous events, including Seattle’s Northwest Folklife Festival. Wiley has studied Coyote tales with elder Ann McCrea at the Spokane Tribal College, and, in the summer of 2003, she interned with the Colville Confederated tribes. Prior to her apprenticeship and volunteer experience, Wiley was unfamiliar with the nselxin language. Peterson now believes that Wiley has all the skills needed to learn the stories of their culture and to share these stories with others.