Annie York | |
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Annie Zixtkwu York | |
Elder of the Nlaka'pamux people of the Spuzzum First Nation | |
Personal details | |
Born | Spuzzum, British Columbia, Canada | September 21, 1904
Died | Spuzzum, British Columbia, Canada | August 19, 1992
Cause of death | Tuberculosis |
Parent(s) | Lucy Palmer York and William Benjamin |
Occupation | Author |
Annie Zixtkwu York (September 21, 1904 - August 19, 1991)[1] was a distinguished elder of the Nlaka'pamux people (also known as Thompson) of the Spuzzum First Nation of Spuzzum, in Fraser Canyon located in the lower region of British Columbia, Canada.[2] York was raised by her Nlaka'pamux family where she came to be bilingual speaking English and Nlaka'pamuctsin.[1][3] She dedicated herself to the Christian religion and the beliefs of the Nlaka'pamux people, Nle'kepmx.[4] York's family members educated her about the history of Spuzzum as well as the origin of its name, Spuzzum chiefs, and the ethnobotany of the region.[5] York was known to be a storyteller, always recording and sharing stories.[3][4]
Annie York was a co-author of two published novels, Spuzzum: Fraser Canyon Histories 1808-1939[1] and They Write Their Dreams on the Rock Forever: Rock Writings of the Stein River Valley of British Columbia.[6] She was the subject of the movie, Bowl of Bone: Tale of The Syuwe.[7]