Emilia Margaret Danyluck (née Joseph) was born on August 22, 1943 at the Invermere & District Hospital to Jerome Joseph and Mary Lucy “Malo” Stanley. An only child, Emilia — known by many as Amy — carried a strong connection to her family, community, land, and Ktunaxa identity throughout her life.

Amy attended the Kootenay Indian Residential School. As a young woman, she made her way to the bright lights of Vancouver, where she met Edward Danyluck. Amy and Ed married in 1969 at Vancouver City Hall and would go on to share more than five decades together.

The passing of her mother in 1979 marked an important turning point in Amy’s life. She ended her relationship with alcohol and returned home to ʔakisq̓nuk in 1980.

Amy was a respected Elder and knowledge keeper who carried an extensive knowledge of ʔakisq̓nuk and Ktunaxa history. Throughout her life, she generously shared that knowledge to help protect the history, lands, and stories of her people and to ensure they would continue to future generations.

Amy was extraordinarily generous. She was known to show up at someone’s door with clothes, toys, food, or anything else she thought they needed. At Christmas, nieces, nephews, and cousins could count on being remembered by Aunty Amy — and so too could the entire staff of ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation.

Amy took tremendous pride in her garden. Her raspberries and gooseberries grew in abundance, and she made sure that abundance was shared. She cared just as faithfully for the creatures around her home. Amy fed her bird and squirrel friends every day — and every so often, provided a meal for a bear or two as well.

Amy had tremendous fortitude. She was independent, determined, and forward-thinking. She knew where she came from and understood the importance of family and home.

Amy was predeceased by her husband, Ed, who passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, with Amy by his side. Amy passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at the Invermere & District Hospital, surrounded by nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Amy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, community, and the many lives she touched with her knowledge, strength, and kindness.

A Wake will be held at 5:00pm on Sunday September 27, 2026, at the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation Band Hall, with Funeral Service and interment to follow at 11:00am Monday September 28, 2026, also at the ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation Band Hall. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, please click the following link to view: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/emilia-danyluck-service

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