This 1983 photo shows Louis Miranda (1892-1990) writing in his Eslhá7an (Mission Reserve) home. Chief Louis Miranda (Uncle Louie) was an influential Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Chief who protected, preserved, and taught the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language).
Miranda worked with Dutch linguist Aert H. Kuipers on The Squamish Language: Grammar, Texts, Dictionary, published in two volumes in 1967 and 1969. He also worked extensively with Randy Bouchard and Dorothy Kennedy in developing the writing system for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim that is used today. He wrote hundreds of pages of legends, stories, language lessons, and other materials in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim.
Miranda was awarded an honorary degree in 1981 by Simon Fraser University, in recognition of his work.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver ,at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open by appointment only. Contact: archives@monova.ca
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
