Raising Community through Matriarchal Song: From Generational Trauma to Healing

Raising Community through Matriarchal Song: From Generational Trauma to Healing | Xwewenaqw Xwexwilmelh Matriarchs (aka Fraser Valley Drum Group Singers and Matriarchs)

January 15, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Convocation Hall

Even-though the Xwewenaqw Matriarchs have been intentionally displaced on so many levels of community, they find a rootedness of HOME through song. A strength of self-determination, gives rise and celebration of womanhood in light of external, patriarchal and systemic violences that have, and continue to cause harm upon their bodies, minds and spirits and homelands. This evening will be filled with story, testimony and song. Come listen to the heartache, the triumphs and determination of this line of Matriarchs that stem in kinship from the Xwewenaqw Xwexwilmexw and Stlatlimx Xwexwilmexw with kinship to Oniciskwapowin (Saddle Lake).

Performers:

• Shuel-let-qua Q:olosoet aka Cynthia Jim -Xwewenaqw Xwexwilmexw- 3rd Matriarch and Stlatlimx Xwexwilmexw
• Kwaynawit aka Florence Thomas (80yrs old) 1st Matriarch to the Xwewenaqw Xwexwilmexw
• Mitiyashulwit aka Fawn Jim-Wood  (Cynthia's eldest daughter) First Juno Winner 'Best Indigenous Artist or Group'
• Shuel-let-qua aka Raven Jim-Wood (Cynthia's 2nd daughter) Aboriginal People's Choice Award winner with drumgroups as a ladies back-up singer
• Q:olosoet aka Tia Jim-Wood (Cynthia's Youngest daughter) The first Indigenous Woman signed to Sony Music 

Xwewenaqw Xwexwilmelh Matriarchs (aka Fraser Valley Drum Group Singers and Matriarchs): longest running drumgroup in BC and an 'All ladies drumgroup' including: Cynthia and Florence

Also with: 

• Tzeetish Ts'ewethot Kukw aka Josette Jim, 2nd Matriarch to Xwewenaqw Xwexwilmexw 
• Late Yi'ama aka Late Lorina Jim, 
• Omxaynukw aka Willa Jim, 
• Lvstvn aka Helena Mussell 
• others tba: nieces, granddaughters

https://www.ualberta.ca/en/music/concert-listings/2026-01-15_raising-community-through-matriarchal-song.html

This concert is made possible through the support of the Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology, and the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action.

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