C'elkilinixʷ Artisan

Angelina is a single mother who lives in Chilliwack British Columbia, with her two kids. She is a status indian from Kitamaat (Haisla Nation) reserve's Robinson family, on her birthmother side. Angelina's grandmother is Lydia Robinson, on her biological mother's side. Angelina learned in the winter of 2009, on her first visit ever to Kitamaat Village, that her biological great grandmother and grandfather were Elsie and Sampson Robinson. Angelina also confirmed that she and her children are from the Eagle Clan. (There was a bit of confusion since her biological mother had the same name as another woman from the Beaver Clan.) Angelina felt that the visit was amazing!

Her birth father, Robert (Bob) Nebone, was French Canadian, and was killed by an impaired driver in Manitoba. He was an amazing man, and was in her life until she was adopted. She also has found her birth sister, Candice, who, when you meet her, you can't help but smile, laugh, and appreciate who she is as a person.

Growing up, Angelina was placed in several non-first nation foster homes. Having to live their life, she felt something was missing.

Angelina has lived on her own since she was 16 years old. She has continued to be a strong woman, committed to her relationship with Chiis (Ojibwa).  Angelina also has an amazing career in the RCMP as a police officer, since 2003, and has found that her supervisors fully support her cultural beliefs, and artistic values.

Some amazing role models have come from Haisla! (She had the honor of meeting the very kind and amazing Lyle Wilson...Wow!) Living and working in the Sto:lo Territory, has made her thankful everyday for the kindest offered to her family and herself.

Angelina started to weave to have balance back in her life, and to do something for herself. She needed peace. Angelina takes pride in the weavings she does. Weaving, like many other first nation's art, needs to continue by aboriginal people. Angelina plans to do her part by developing and embrassing her skills, and passing it on as it has been past to her. You never stop learning.

When Angelina retires she hopes to build a small studio, with a workshop, in order to display, sell, and invite people in to come in and learn.  

She truly believes that a first nation artist doesn't own their skills, but that they are to honor the time that they spend using it. These artists will pass it on, in order for the traditional work to continue.

Angelina appreciates non-aboriginal people showing respect to aboriginal culture because they truly want to learn.