Syilx ABC Book

How could theses resources be used in a classroom?

To enhance this learning experience, I recommend collaborating with the Indigenous advocates at your school. This will allow the students to gain a more authentic and profound understanding of the resources available. In my own classroom, I have utilized these resources by using the template above to talk to the students about the importance of language and how the Nsyilxcen Language is endangered. It is important to have discussions surrounding this topic on why this language has become endangered and why it is important to support Indigenous communities in protecting it. In this activity, students will be able to learn an Nsyilxcen word that begins we each letter of the alphabet. As seen in the video above, Madisyn Menssa, the incredible Indigenous Advocate at Chute Lake Elementary, and a fellow educator, Sheena Welsh, collaborated to have their students create this language journal and have students work together to read each word and its meaning. A learning experience such as this supports our students in the act of working together, learning a new language, and having meaningful discussions on how languages can become endangered. 

Though this content and these resources can assist in the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the classroom, it is important to seek out and build relationships with the Indigenous advocates in each school if possible, or Indigenous community members, knowledge keepers, or educators. We must remember that learning and educating on Indigenous perspectives should be done with and from local Indigenous community members.