M. Jane Smith (Xsiwis) was born and raised in the Gitxsan Community of Gitanmaaxs in northwestern BC. Listening to stories as a child was the beginning of her education. She now holds a Bachelor degree from the University of Victoria, a Masters degree from the University of Northern British Columbia, and a doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia. 'Returning the Feathers (Five Gitxsan Stories)' is the title of her firts book. M. Jane Smith teahes in an elementary school in the Gitxsan Terretories.