Honouring Traditional Ecological Knowledge by Bridging Community Priorities and Natural Resource Initiatives

In November 2025, K'en T'em hired as its first Community Knowledge Liaison, supporting deeper coordination between community knowledge and natural resource initiatives.

Here is an introduction for our new Community Knowledge Liaison, Jerome Smith.

ʔex kʷ ń (ack-when) Hello

Jerome Smith nskʷést (ens-kwesht) My name is Jerome Smithnɬeʔképmx kn (en-thla-cap-muck-kin) I am Nlaka’pamuxtuɬ nceɬeʔkʷu ʔe ƛ̓ʔek wn (duth en-thlak-kwoo thla ack-wun) I come from Coldwaterɬ nsʔiʔtm̓ (thlen shee-tum) my parents are Carol Smith ʔeɬ (ah-th) and Wilson Smithxʷ uy̓ kn nes kneyt uɬ seytknmx (wheet kn-esh conayt ooth shayt-kun-muckw) I am going to help my people.

I was born in Merritt but grew up on Vancouver Island. I moved home in June 2022 so that I could reconnect with the land, the people, the community, and my family and friends. My great-grandmother, Lily August, raised my mom, Carol, on the Coldwater reserve. I was fortunate enough to know my great-grandmother until she passed away when I was 12.

I have completed Grade 12 at Stelly’s Secondary School, earned a certificate as a First Nations Teacher Assistant from Camosun College, and completed two years at the Institute of Indigenous Government. I have worked in an office setting for five years with Nil/tu’o Child and Family Services, and I have also worked on and off in construction for most of my life. I have completed International Heavy Equipment Operator training and am certified to operate a loader, excavator, dozer, and grader.

I am artistic and enjoy painting, beading, and carving. I am a men’s fancy powwow dancer. I love exploring the outdoors, including canoeing, hiking, hunting, and fishing.

I have started new employment with K’en T’em as the Community Knowledge Liaison and will be working toward bridging gaps and building stronger relationships between our communities and the affiliated companies we work with in our respective fields.

I look forward to working with the community, for the people, and for our future. Reach me at jsmith@kentem.ca, or in community at events. 

ʔéxʷ weʔ ƛ̓uʔ ní (ah-wha-waythloo enee) Keep Well!Kʷukwscémxʷ (kwooks-chem-oohw)