BCCNM is mourning the loss of Siem Te'ta-in (Shane Pointe) Sound of Thunder, HDOL, Coast Salish Knowledge Keeper, Honorary Doctorate of Original Laws from Native Education College, who left us April 8, 2026, to be with the ancestors. We offer our deepest condolences to the Snuneymuxw and Musqueam Nations on his passing.
Siem Te'ta-in's relationship with BCCNM began in 2020, when he began providing advice and guidance to staff in the development of the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism practice standard. His approach to reconciliation was rooted in kindness and growth, and he was patient and thoughtful in the building of all relationships.
Over the years, Siem Te'ta-in conducted many ceremonies grounded in Coast Salish Protocols for health regulators, including the Joint Apology and Commitment to Action ceremony in July 2021 and the Harmonized Cultural Safety Practice Standard ceremony in May 2022.
He played a significant role throughout the Safe Spaces Initiatives and Dialogue Series, which was guided by Coast Salish Protocols and laws, speaking to the importance of relational accountability and upholding Coast Salish laws. The outcome was the Safe Spaces Playbook to Eliminate Indigenous-specific Racism and White Supremacy in Governance, alongside college-specific policy audit reports, which informed a major shift in regulatory governance.
We were also fortunate to be gifted by Siem Te'ta-in a cedar basket filled with traditional slaxin (medicine) and meaningful objects to support the work of the college. The basket was crafted by Siem Te'ta-in and his niece Atheana Picha (of the Kwantlen/Tsartlip Nations).
Siem Te'ta-in's gifts to us reach far beyond the moments he spent with us. He generously shared his knowledge and gentle sense of humour and met everyone where they were at. He shared profound teachings, including Nutsamaht (“we are one")—a reminder of what it means to work together as a unified, multi-disciplinary body in service of all people in B.C. It is our honour and responsibility to carry his teachings forward.