Rena Inez Bolton

May 22, 1927 – December 15, 2025

Rena Point-Bolton, Sqéwóthelwet, was the heart of her family — a matriarch, knowledge keeper, and proud Stó:lō woman whose life was rooted in responsibility, love, and quiet strength. She carried herself with humility and humor, and through her words, actions, and teachings, she shaped generations.

Rena was born on May 22, 1927, in Kilgard, Semá:th, to Annie Silva and Francis Bolan. She spent her early years in Kilgard and grew up along the Lower Fraser River at Líyomxetel, as well as in Boothroyd. The most important teachers in her life were her grandparents, Pete Silva and Sarah Vedder Silva, who grounded her in family teachings, inherited responsibility, and ways of knowing that guided her throughout her life.

As a child, Rena attended Coqualeetza Indian Residential School from 1934 to 1939. Despite the hardships she endured, Rena met life with resilience and dignity. She survived experiences that could have silenced her, yet chose instead to protect her loved ones, speak truth, and pass on what she knew. Her strength was not loud, but it was constant. She taught through example — showing that perseverance, kindness, and responsibility are lived, not declared.

Rena dedicated her life to raising and caring for her children. She was the mother of Tim (Brenda), Jeff (Liz), Mark (Brenda), Steven (Gwen), Rene (Stan), Charlotte (Reynold), Wendy (Arnold), Gail (Peter), Brian, and Sheila. On June 17, 1979, Rena married the love of her life Clifford Bolton. Through this union, she adopted Jill, Karen, and Lyle, and together they raised their children at their dream home in Kitsumkalum that sat between the banks of the Skeena & Zimacord Rivers before Cliff's passing in 2012.

Rena was predeceased by her siblings Peter “Speedy” Bolan, Alfred Phillips Jr., Merle Phillips, John Bolan, Beverly Spalding, Annette Bolton, and Pauline Gillis. She is survived by her siblings Selma Phillips, Joyce Phillips, Bill Bolan, and Ronald “Porky” Bolan.

Rena lived a life guided by deep care for her people and an unwavering sense of duty to family. She was a mother to many, not only by blood, but by presence — offering guidance, laughter, discipline, and reassurance when it was needed most. Her home, like her heart, was open. There was always room at her table, always time to listen, always a lesson woven gently into conversation.

She was deeply connected to culture and land. Her knowledge was carried through story, memory, and practice, and she shared it generously. She believed in the importance of remembering who you are and where you come from, and reminded those around her that culture lives in everyday actions — in how we care for one another, how we speak, how we laugh, and how we endure.

Rena was also widely respected for her mastery of traditional arts and her role in cultural revitalization. She was a highly skilled weaver and craftswoman working with cedar, spruce root, and wool, and her work is recognized for its technical skill and deep cultural meaning. Rena played an important role in the promotion and revival of Indigenous arts in British Columbia, including involvement with the BC Indian Arts & Crafts Society and community-based arts initiatives that helped strengthen traditional craft practices across the province. In recognition of her lifelong contributions to Indigenous art and cultural knowledge, Rena received the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for First Nations’ Art in 2010.

Rena was the proud grandmother of more than 30 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and numerous adopted children, all of whom were embraced as family. Above all else, she loved her family and took great pride in watching them grow, learn, and find their own paths. Her humor, warmth, and honesty will be remembered in countless stories that continue to be shared.

Rena passed away on December 15, 2025, in Chilliwack, British Columbia, at the age of 98, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, wisdom, and love — one that lives-on through her family and all those she guided. Though she has moved on from this world, her teachings remain. She will be remembered always, with gratitude and deep respect.

Prayer Services

Monday, December 22, 2025

• Pick-up at Woodlawn at 2:00 PM (45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, BC)

• Travel to The'í:tselíya (7256 Chilliwack River Road)

• Prayer Service – 7:00 PM

Funeral Services

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

• Sx̲wóyx̲wey Service – 6:30 AM

• Funeral Service – 10:00 AM

• Burial to follow at Skowkale Cemetery, with luncheon to follow