nsyilxcən Language Revitalization
axaʔ iʔ kʷu syilx iʔ kʷu ͝ sukʷnaqinx kʷu cnqilxʷcən ta nsyilxcən uɬ way t̕ əsxʷuy uɬ ta mnimɬtət kə ck̕ ɬqixʷstm uɬ kə ctiɬstm, uɬ niʕip kə ck’ʷulmstm iʔ nsyilxcən aʔ nqilxʷcntət.
– excerpt from the Syilx Okanagan Language Declaration
We, the Syilx Okanagan Peoples have spoken our nsyilxcən language since time immemorial and we are responsible for the protection, revitalization and advancement of our nsyilxcən language.
Syilx people have endured the potential loss of their nsyilxcən language. Like snk̓lip’s responsibility of transforming items into anew, the Syilx people have been spinning a web of creativity, ingenuity, and endurance with language revitalization. The need to gather the foundational principles of nsyilxcən will only prove to help future generations of language speakers both experienced and inexperienced.
Fluent speakers across the Nation uphold the highest responsibility in passing down the nsyilxcən teachings to the next generations. The dynamic movement of the nsyilxcən revitalization takes its toll on fluent speakers but through this struggle emerges the strength and resiliency to instruct, teach, and provide language experiences for new speakers. From the hard work from fluent speakers, many beginner speakers are emerging across the Syilx Nation to uphold, strengthen, and revitalize nsyilxcən. The need to transmit nsyilxcən has been long standing taught by captikʷɬ (Syilx oral histories).
History
There is an important history of language activism and revitalization among the Syilx Okanagan people. In the 1970s, the Okanagan Indian Educational Resource Society, now known as the En’owkin Centre, was initially mandated by Elders and Chiefs to revitalize the culture and language, resulting in valuable and ongoing work.
Language is a core mandate of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. The Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) offers leadership on language revitalization and has stated the need for a comprehensive Nation language plan. Strengthened relations and shared understanding amongst our Nation’s language teachers will expand the space in which to establish clear goals for language revitalization.
The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) CEC has encouraged numerous nationwide initiatives in supporting, assisting, and promoting the development of nsyilxcən language and culture resources through partnerships with the En’owkin Centre, Paul Creek Language Association, and the Interior Salish Language Associations.
Language revitalization strategies, such as immersion schools, language nests, development curricula, web-based tools, and books, now occur throughout Syilx member communities.
Syilx Language Partners
En’owkin Centre
For many years, the En’owkin Centre has been leading the struggle with language revitalization due to the inept Canadian Government policy which has resulted in most indigenous language as critically endangered or extinct. Often referred to as En’owkin, this institution takes a forefront position in the local and global fostering of Indigenous knowledge and frameworks.
Syilx Language House
The mission, of the Syilx Language House, is to cultivate new fluent speakers within the Syilx community, preserve the wisdom of our elders, and foster a supportive learning environment rooted in cultural teachings. Through immersive instruction, curriculum, and collaboration with organizations like the Salish School of Spokane and the OIB Language House, the Syilx Language House is dedicated to revitalizing the nsyilxcən language.
First Voices
First Voices serves as a collaborative platform empowering Indigenous communities to oversee, organize, and distribute their languages.
N̓səl̓xčin̓ Curriculum
The Salish School of Spokane and the Paul Creek Language Association, in collaboration with partners, are developing a comprehensive curriculum and fluency transfer system for nsyilxcən (n̓səl̓xčin/n̓syilxčn̓), Colville-Okanagan Salish. Consists of six textbooks across three proficiency levels, with audio recordings and teaching materials, employing full immersion instructional techniques.
Header Photo: Aaron Hemens, IndigiNews
See Also
Suggested Resources
Syilx Okanagan Language Declaration
Impacts of Indian Residential School
