Indigenous Languages
![Folini, F. (2012) jumping coyote CC BY-SA 2.0 [image] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coyote_(Canis_latrans)_(7147080735).jpg <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/4wjpgmjDssTwOdyKh6HiPqTo8PixOHq80t4fJ0wTqmZKXhyKRJY4euPFQnHZn6NK8rIWQl1QlC68EzOjzLoRPxQWLN0XBKtG6TH1pV751TD3U75jkZM6T5QcF__hzIbSzw=w1280)
Folini, F. (2012) jumping coyote
Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one's actions. (FNESC, nd.)
"This principle reflects the awareness that everything and everyone is connected, and that we are responsible for what happens as the result of our actions. Every action has consequences." (Chrona, 2022, p139) One of the consequences of colonialism, such as residential schools, is the tragic loss of unique Indigenous languages. Currently both Ktunaxa and n̓syilxčn̓ languages are critically endangered. Part of Reconciliation includes a responsibility to support the Revitalization of Indigenous languages.
PSA: Don't be afraid to speak Indigenous Languages by Aiyana Twigg (2018)
Hiking Kokanee Glacier Image by Mobbs, (2022). Links to Indigenous Language Learning Site.
Foundational Importance of Indigenous Languages
Indigenous language revitalization is an essential foundation for the survival of Indigenous cultures and communities. (McIvor & Annisman, 2018)(Ignace 2016)(UNDRIP, 2007)(TRC, 2015)(AFN, 2022) These languages contain vital knowledge and unique perspectives which have the power to help humanity view the world and our interconnection with the land and environment in healthier and more sustainable ways. (Ignace, 2016 p4.)(McIvor & Annisman, 2018, p91.) Additionally, the UNDRIP (2007), adopted by Canada in 2021, identifies Indigenous language acquisition as a human right. Canada has a responsibility to ensure access to Indigenous language education including for people living away from their home communities. Knowing the importance of Indigenous Language revitalization for the cultural survival of Indigenous communities and people, and also taking into consideration the complex dynamics affecting diverse Indigenous peoples living away from their traditional communities, what are best practices supporting diverse Indigenous language learning in public schools?
For more information see my Indigenous Language Learning Website.
Should non-Indigenous people learn Indigenous languages?
For her undergraduate degree, Language apprentice Aiyana Twigg interviewed Ktunaxa Elders about this important question. See their answer in the video to the left. Basically, the Elders encourage new speakers. Since Indigenous languages around the world are endangered, UNESCO has declared the decade 2022-2032 as the Decade of Indigenous Languages, in order to educate the public on the importance of Indigenous languages for all Peoples. In the same was biodiversity is an important value in ensuring ecosystem health, linguistic diversity allows diverse ideas and ways of knowing, being and doing to thrive. This diversity ensures that humanity preserves important ideas, knowledge of specific ecosystems and sustainable ways of thinking and being in the world.
Ktunaxa Language Learning Resources:
Kootenay Lake [image] by Mobbs (2022)
This is the ʔaq̓am band school near Cranbrook, which has a section of resources for Ktunaxa Language learning.
This is the Yaqan Nukiy band school near Creston, which has a section for Ktunaxa Language Learning.
Note: Band schools, which have been chronically underfunded, are vital supports for Indigenous language immersion and learning.
First People's Cultural Council (2024) First Voices. https://www.firstvoices.com/ktunaxa
First Voices is a website created by the First Peoples Cultural Council to help preserve BC's diverse Indigenous languages. This database is being constantly updated by Indigenous communities working to preserve their languages, using technology as an important tool. You can get an app for your phone, download the Ktunaxa keyboard, hear songs and play games.
CBEEN (2019) Workshops. [website] https://cbeen.ca/workshops/
Columbia Basin Environmentl Educators Network (CBEEN)
CBEEN offers zoom courses in Indigenous Languages for Educators in the Columbia Valley. These courses are led by local Indigenous language teachers, such as Ktunaxa language teachers Alfred Joseph and Mara Nelson.
Ktunaxa Nation Language Resources:
Language teacher Mara Nelson created this site to support Ktunaxa language learning.
Twigg, A. (2024) Speaking Ktunaxa - Episode 139 [video] youtube. Speaking Tongues Podcast. https://youtu.be/N8ft-XZevrw?si=eVDku_H57rCiqHnN
Aiyana Twigg
Twigg is a Ktunaxa Language Apprentice and Program Assistant for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, who defines herself as an "activist exploring decolonization and language revitalization." (2024, Ktuanxa Pride, Instagram). Listen to a recent interview with her by The Speaking Tongues Podcast above, talking about Ktuanxa language and revitalization.
Twigg posts daily ktunaxa phrases and words of the day and you can follow her @ K'tuanxa Pride On Instagram and Facebook.
n̓syilxčn̓ Language Learning Resources
Wiley, L. (2024) On the Gift of Talking With Fluent Elders. [video] youtube. ksps pbs.https://youtube.com/shorts/ZnTzRJhPkL4?si=-mKMADiLUFITGfcQ
LaRae Wiley
LaRae Wiley is the founder of the Salish School of Spokane, and was named "Inland Northwest Woman of the Year" (2023) for her efforts in language restoration. Recently, she and her husband Christopher Parkin started a language program locally at Selkirk College, so the n̓syilxčn̓ language could once again be learned and spoken in the traditional territory of the Sn̓ʕay̓čkstx Peoples.
LaRae Wiley is also a musician, creating music in n̓syilxčn̓ language. Listen to her music and support her artistic efforts on her bandcamp site.
Image of Inchelium Pow wow. (cc licenses) Pouley, M. (2012)
Affiliated with the Salish Language School of Spokane, the Inchelium Language House, aims to revitalize the n̓syilxčn̓ language of the Sn̓ʕay̓čkstx people. Sn̓ʕay̓čkstx leader Shelley Boyd is the director of the Inchelium Language House, and LaRae Wiley is founder and Executive Director of the Salish School of Sokane.
https://www.thelanguagehouse.ca/
According to the Syilx Language House website, the Syilx people include members of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, as well as Sinixt people on the Colville Confederated Tribes. They work together on revitalization and preservation of their common n̓syilxčn̓ language. The website has songs, elder recordings and offers zoom lessons.
First Voices Syilx also contains n̓syilxčn̓ language resources.
Hall, B. (2020) Selkirk College [image]
Beginners n̓syilxčn̓ 1 (pronounced in-seel-h-chin) at Selkirk College
Teachers can now learn the language of local Sinixt people through this course offered at Selkirk College, offered by Sinixt n̓syilxčn̓ language teacher LaRae Wiley and her husband Christopher Parkin.
Snsylxcin Language Learning Resources
The Automous Sinixt are trying to revitalize a dialect of n̓syilxčn̓ which is called Snsylxcin. They are working on a project called the T'kikstn Language Revitalization Project and their efforts can be seen at the website: https://keepingthesinixtway.ca/#sinixt
They have recently published a booked in Snsylxcin called Captikʷɬ t Swara̓k’xn, the Legend of Frog Mountain, which you can hear in the video of Eva Orr (left) telling the story in Snsylxcin.
Reflections for Educators:
Do you know any local Indigenous phrases or words? Can you say hello or goodbye?
Do you know the Indigenous name for your community?
Why do you think Indigenous languages are so vital for Indigenous cultural survival?
Did you know that Residential Schools banned Indigenous students from speaking their own languages and punished students for speaking their languages? What do you think is our responsibility as educators to help revitalize Indigenous languages?
If you aren't learning a local Indigenous language, what is holding you back? What might help overcome these obstacles?
Who in your school or district can help you and your students learn Indigenous languages?
Reflection on the consequences of actions:
What is our responsibility as educators to do what we can to support Indigenous language learning?
What small steps can individual educators do to support Indigenous Language revitalization?
How can relationships be strengthened through Indigenous language learning?
References:
Acker, K. (nd.) coyote in tall grass.[image] NPS. https://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/nature/images/DSC_6240361_2_1.jpeg
Assembly of First Nations (2022) Teaching and Learning First Nations Languages in Different Locations & Locales
https://www.afn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AFN-Archipel_Language-Learning-Report_ENG.pdf
ʔaq̓amnik School (nd.) Resources for families. [website] https://www.aqamnikschool.com/online-resource-links-for-families
Battiste, M (2010) Nourishing the Learning Spirit. Canadian Education Association. https://www.edcan.ca/wp-content/uploads/EdCan-
2010-v50-n1-Battiste.pdf
Battiste, M. (2013) Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit. Saskatoon, Purich.
Bell, Nicole, Dr. (2014) Teaching by the Medicine Wheel: An Anishinaabe Framework for Indigenous Education. Education Canada.
Canadian Education Association (CEA), www.cea-ace.ca/education- canada/article/teaching-medicine-wheel
CBEEN (2019) Workshops. [website] https://cbeen.ca/workshops/
Chrona, J. (2022) Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies – An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education. Portage & Main Press.
Canada.(2021)Bill C-15 parl.ca https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/bill/C-15/royal-assent
First People's Cultural Council (2024) First Voices - ktunaxa. https://www.firstvoices.com/ktunaxa
FNESC (nd.) First People’s Principals of Learning. https://www.fnesc.ca/first-peoples-principles-of-learning/
Folini, F. (2012) Jumping coyote [image] CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coyote_(Canis_latrans)_(7147080735).jpg
Hall, B. (2020) Selkirk College [image] CC BY-SA 4.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castlegar_Campus_1.jpg
LaFever (2016) Switching from Bloom to the Medicine Wheel - Creating learning outcomes that support indigneous ways of knowing in post
secondary education.Intercultural Education, 27:5, 409-424, DOI: 10.1080/14675986.2016.1240496
Ignace, M. (2016) First Nations language building guide. FNESC. https://www.fnesc.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/614108-FNESC-
LANGUAGE-BULDING-CURRICULUM-BOOK-290316-B-F-with-Cover.pdf
McIvor, O. & Ball, J. (2019). Language-in-education policies and Indigenous language revitalization efforts in Canada: Considerations for non-
dominant language education in the Global South. FIRE: Forum for International Research in Education, 5(3), 136-159.
https://doi.org/10.32865/fire201953174
McIvor, O. & Anisman, A. (2018). Keeping our languages alive: Strategies for Indigenous language revitalization and maintenance. In Y.
Watanabe (Ed.), Handbook of Cultural Security, (pp. 90-109). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.
https://netolnew.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/keeping-our-languages-alive.pdf
Mobbs, M. (2022) Hiking Kokanee Glacier. [image]
Mobbs, M. (2023) fishing header [image]
Mobbs, M. (2023) Kootenay Lake [image]
Nelson, M. (nd.) Ktunaxa Nation Language Resources: [website] https://ktunaxahakqyit.org/ktunaxa-language-resources
Orr, E. (March 9 2013) swarak'xn Frog Mountain Story in sn-selxcin [video] youtube. Sinixt Nation.
https://youtu.be/buOjN1g3KkU?si=T0SJIz1Vg_cJ5XX7
Pouley, M. (2012) Image of Inchelium Pow wow. (cc licenses) https://www.flickr.com/photos/switchermark/7308877570
Syilx Language House (nd.) [website] https://www.thelanguagehouse.ca/
Twigg, Aiyana (2018) "PSA Don't be afraid to speak Indigenous Languages - A Message from Ktunaxa Youth and Elders" youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce4d_ICPSpw
Twigg, A. (2024) Speaking Ktunaxa - Episode 139 [video] youtube. Speaking Tongues Podcast.
https://youtu.be/N8ft-XZevrw?si=eVDku_H57rCiqHnN
United Nations. (2007). United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf
Yaqan Nukiy School (2019) Ktunaxa Language. https://www.yaqannukiyschool.org/ktunaxa-language
Wiley, L. (2024) On the Gift of Talking With Fluent Elders. [video] youtube. ksps pbs.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZnTzRJhPkL4?si=-mKMADiLUFITGfcQ