welík’t

A multilingual collection by emerging Indigenous poet Kalli Van Stone combines Salish languages with English and revitalizes ancestral traditions.

Interdisciplinary artist Kalli Van Stone embraces syilx and Secwépemc language in these sparse yet potent poems. welík’t—which means “sparkle” in the Secwepemctsín language—captures the story, song and dance which help heal the ongoing intergenerational impacts of colonialism and the residential school, day school and current education systems.

The structure of Interior Salish music and its healing powers are alive in many of Van Stone’s poems. The collection itself is framed in three sections for each language—nsyilxcn, Secwepemctsín and English—and translations accompany each piece.

With the poet’s artwork interspersed throughout the pages, welík’t is a rich celebration of creativity and coalescence.

“welík’t is a text that shimmers; it is the glint of sunlight on a river, and it is the river, and it is the stones beneath the river. Kalli Van Stone’s writing is holistic, incisive and real. Her debut collection carries both ancestral wisdom and futurity like an act of fiercely decolonial love that invites readers into the sacred role of witnessing. This book is a nuanced and irresistible prayer that will leave you feeling grounded and enriched.”

“Van Stone’s use of her own languages is so silent that it shines. Her poetry speaks to a part of history to be remembered and honoured, and allows us to hear the historic trembling of solid lines.”

“Kalli Van Stone has woven a truly astounding book of poems in Nsyílxcn, Secwepemctsín, and English, giving our people a rightful seat alongside the greats of this artform. A wonderful and deeply moving read; I am certain I will return to welík’t many times in the years to come.”

“Love blooms from language, and through each poem Van Stone offers a gift to enliven and restore our sense of belonging to a beautiful, shimmering world—each poem a testament to what remains whole, radiant, and eternal.”

“Through this poetry, Van Stone knows she is not alone, because you will become the dreamer. And in her words, ‘my language is not endangered, it is immortal.’ This is a timeless collection that will stay with you—endlessly!”