Posted on by Charity Gladstone
The SENĆOŦEN Survival School and Language Apprenticeship programs value our history and teach the ways and beliefs of our W̱SÁNEĆ homeland and worldview.
SENĆOŦEN Survival School: This program is a fully SENĆOŦEN immersion experience (EWENE W̱ENITEM ḴEN SḰÁL – no English Language is spoken) for Children 5-6 or at the Kindergarten program level. Our program teachers meet the Ministry Prescribed Learning Outcomes of the Kindergarten Curriculum. Children will spend 3.5 hours in classroom Learning the Kindergarten Provincial Curriculum through a SENĆOŦEN medium. For 2.5 hours per day, children will also learn through engagement with nature in the playgrounds and forests around our school and at beaches and culturally significant places. Children can enter the LE,NOṈET Immersion stream at this level.
SENĆOŦEN Language Apprenticeships: The goal of the Mentor-Apprentice Program is to facilitate the development of fluent speakers of SENĆOŦEN language where fluent speakers are partnered with committed learners in an immersion environment in the home and on the land. This is a one-on-one language immersion program. A “mentor” (a fluent speaker of a language) is paired with an “apprentice” (learner).
Posted on February 21, 2019 by Justina Black
Alumni of the program, Cheryl Mandeville, shares her experience learning out on the land. Dechinta means “in the bush” in many of Dene languages in the Northwest Territories. Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning believes in supporting self-determining and sustainable Northern communities rooted in Indigenous knowledge and values. Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning is […]
Alumni of the program, Cheryl Mandeville, shares her experience learning out on the land.
Dechinta means “in the bush” in many of Dene languages in the Northwest Territories. Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning believes in supporting self-determining and sustainable Northern communities rooted in Indigenous knowledge and values.
Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning is internationally recognized for its innovative and vital research and university program delivery. Dechinta delivers Indigenous centered arts, culture, language and educational programming in an innovative land-based environment. Its program supports diverse needs and inclusive participation.
Posted on February 20, 2019 by Tina Trombley
A Nakota language initiative that seeks to revitalize and re-awaken the Nakota language on White Bear First Nation.
Sarah and Shayna McArthur of White Bear First Nation began the group, Mato Ska Nakona bi Linguistics Inc. to work with community members in order to revitalize and restore the Nakota language. By using language acquisition methods like Total Physical Response and Native American Hand Signs, the McArthur’s hope to increase the number of Nakota language speakers in their community. By learning Nakota people can reconnect with their spirituality and traditional ceremonies in order to heal from past trauma. This initiative is helping Nakota community members, of all ages, to be proud of their identity and history. The Nakota people, now more than ever, must be committed to learning their language and reconnecting with their identity – the Mato Ska Nakona bi Linguistics Inc. is able to support this work.
Posted on by Charity Gladstone
The Bakuemgyala Language Group is a community based group working collectively to revitalize the Kwakwala/Likwala language.
The Bakuemgyala Language Group has been undertaking substantial updating of its community-based program and conducting extensive discussions on the approach with key stakeholders such as local Elders, mentees and youth. The community-based program has been developed recognizing that languages are in crisis and that urgent action is required to address the loss of language in our families, homes and communities. Thus, to advocate the preservation of Kwakwala/Likwala language, culture, traditional arts and history. Ultimately, the programs goal is to increase the number of Kwakwala/Likwala language speakers.
Posted on by kenthenthomas
Secwepemc Stories and storytelling _ Stsepkwelle “Legends That Teach”
Kenthen Thomas is a storyteller from the Secwepemc Nation. He has been storytelling since he was a youngster. The Secwepemc stories or ‘Stsepetkwll’ – Legends That Teach” are stories that not only provide entertainment but they also provide lessons. Kenthen claims to have about 30 stories in his personal arsenal that are ready to be shared and taught when needed. Performing in schools and other venues worldwide, Kenthen brings the stories of his ancestors to life and gives his due to the real owners of the stories, the future generations.
