For Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and Artist, Krystal Withakay, she and her consulting company, Spaxwawlm Indigenous Initiatives, are one and the same. In fact, the company’s name is a direct reflection of Krystal’s Indigenous name, spaxwawlm.
“When you look at the sky and you see the green part that moves [in the Northern Lights], spaxwawlm, that’s what I’m named after,” explains Krystal.
Having grown up immersed in Indigenous culture—specifically, the Tse’khene Nation on her mother’s side and the syilx Okanagan Nation on her father’s side—Krystal credits Indigenous teachings and the challenges her family and community have been through for transforming her into the savvy businesswoman she is today.
“My family are resourceful people, and I grew up learning about business by listening to them,” Krystal says. “My Grandpa was a logger and a seasonal hunting guide in Northern BC, and he often worked with my Dad. As a child, I’d listen to their conversations and that generational business strategy was passed down to me.”
Spaxwawlm Indigenous Initiatives began in 2020, but Krystal originally ventured into her line of work more than 20 years ago, starting out hand drumming and dancing, thanks to a few key people that encouraged and supported her. The mentorship Krystal received from her community during these formative years combined with her willingness to learn and be accountable have all contributed to her success.
Building her company during the early days of the pandemic was challenging; however, it was the land tours she offered that kept her business afloat. Krystal was able to take small groups on guided tours within the Central Okanagan, sharing her “interpretation and experience of syilx lifestyle, customs, values and historical milestones within syilx nation.” Since then, her business has thrived, thanks in part to the support of her community within and beyond the Central Okanagan.
Through her work, Krystal shares aspects of the traditional syilx and Tse’khene lifestyle she experienced growing up through “contemporary and modern platforms.” She has carved out six primary service areas in her business, which she refers to as the gifts she shares: land tours, hand drumming, storytelling, fashion design, event planning, and workshop facilitation.
Krystal shares her six carved out gifts to a variety of organizations in and around the region which allows her to support and guide the next generations through Indigenous language and cultural lifestyle. This extends to her personal life as well, where she has cultivated a safe space for her daughter, nieces, and nephews to learn about and access their syilx and Tse’khene lifestyle practices.
Krystal’s articulated knowledge is a reflection of mentorship she’s received over the past 20 years of her life. This foundation allows her work to speak for itself and draw in new business through word of mouth and referrals.
“I work hard and I work quietly,” she explains. “I prioritize work that aligns with my values. I appreciate organizations that are sincere about learning more about syilx lifestyle and implement that in a healthy way.”
UBC Okanagan (UBCO) is Krystal’s favourite organization to work with, a partnership that has spanned over 10 years. She appreciates UBCO’s commitment to elevating Indigenous voices, including her own, more than any other organization she has collaborated with. Many departments within UBCO frequently invite her to share all of her gifts.
Creating more public art is one of the many ventures Krystal has been focused on. Recently, she collaborated with the City of Kelowna on a new installation at Knox Mountain Park, inspired by the tuktanixw (syilx summer home). She worked alongside fellow Indigenous artists Emily Pooley and Les Louis to bring the piece to life.
Krystal also continues her advocacy within land guardianship, particularly as it relates to protecting wetlands and endangered species within and beyond the Okanagan. Land guardianship is critical to help mitigate climate impacts, particularly as it relates to the dangers of wildfires and flooding in the Okanagan. Advocating on the land’s behalf ensures future generations can live harmoniously on the land of the syilx Okanagan people, who have resided in the region since time immemorial.
“My whole life has prepared me for the work I do now. For the last 20 years, I’ve been honoured to share my gifts and learn from others in return. I’m entrusted to stay accountable and remain teachable, ensuring the younger generation can carry this work forward.”
