SIYAM Consulting

In the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language), the word Siyám in English means respected leader. The root of siyám is based on éy - 'good' speakers, and we also use siyám for 'chief', 'boss' and any upper-class or highly respected person. Pronunciation: sounds like see-YAM. There is slightly more emphasis or raised pitch on the second syllable.

Sxwpilemaát Siyám / Chief Leanne Joe holds love and light for her work in the space of Economic Reconciliation. Siyám was chosen not just because it’s a responsibility that Chief Leanne holds proudly for her family and people, but for all future generations to come. Being is service, sharing knowledge and wisdom is her passion. She allows her spirit to shine through in all her work and speaks through the words of her ancestors and the creator.

Chief Leanne Joe’s ancestral name, Sxwpilemaát Siyám, is only held by her within the Lackett Joe family of the Squamish Nation. Sxwpilemaát is a feminine version of her male ancestors name, Sxwpilem. The suffix ‘aát’ feminizes the name, it tells you a woman is carrying it. Siyám shares the responsibility she holds within her family. Meaning she is the head of the family, the one who speaks on behalf of her family, and guides and representates them as required. Coast Salish people do not position their ‘titles’ in front of their names. As it isn’t a title, it is a responsibility to be in service of your family and people, to lead in a good way for the well-being of all.  She shares this name with her late father, Sxwpilem Siyám (Chief Philip Joe), and her great uncle before that, Louis Miranda and all other Siyáms before him. This ancestral name is only synonymous with the one carrying the Siyam, no other family members carry this name.

So it is only fitting for the name of Sxwpilemaát Siyám / Chief Leanne Joe’s business name to be Siyam Consulting. As this embodies not only her role within her family, the responsibility of constantly being in service, leading and guiding, but more importantly how she leads, with truth, honesty, integrity, and most of all, love and light.  Shining light on a brighter future, the possibility and curiosity that comes with what can be, discovering the values embedded in getting to that future state, and constantly holding our children at the center of our everything, as in the not so distant future, they will be our leaders and they will lead in a way that honours what they witnessed in our leadership.