WFN Launches Online Language Program
September 27, 2021 – WESTBANK: On September 30, 2021, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Westbank First Nation (WFN) is launching an online language tutorial series in effort to revitalize nsyilxcən language learning within the community. WFN received $100,000 from the First People’s Cultural Council through their Pathways to Language Vitality Program that helped to support developing materials, immersion programming, planning and community collaboration.
Initially, the program was intended to have in person teachings, but as a pandemic precaution the curriculum was reworked into online modules. Over 45 video tutorials were created featuring WFN Councillor Jordan Coble and ONA Member Levi Bent, utilizing Book 1 of the Paul Creek nsyilxcən curriculum and making it the first language series of its kind. The program would not have been possible without the support and hard work of language speakers, past and present who champion the nsyilxcən language in the community.
“Our language is endangered and folks for generations have been working to keep our language, our identity, our source of who we are, alive. As new tools are provided we must adapt to spark the interest of our people to engage with our language and experience the joy it brings.” says WFN Councillor Jordan Coble “We simply hope this resource can help spark your interest by creating a space safe and allow you to control your learning pace, and hopefully have a little fun learning.”
The program is entirely online and can be completed at any pace. Students can work through there lessons on their own schedule and will always have access to the lessons and resources. The tutorial series is open to everyone with a goal to revitalize nsyilxcən language for the syilx nation and guests who visit the website.
This online resource centre will provide visitors with information on nsyilxcən language, language learning opportunities, and additional resources. WFN supports all forms of nsyilxcən language learning, including the syilx Language house and En'owkin Centre. The University of British Columbia Okanagan, in partnership with Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and En’owkin Centre have created a four-year Bachelor of nsyilxcən Language Fluency (BNLF) program. The program is led by WFN Member, Rose Caldwell who is actively building a cohort of students.
WFN would like to acknowledge the work and dedication Rachel Marchand, who has worked tirelessly over the past year to support and coordinate the development of the video series as well as the inclusion of language and culture within the WFN administration.
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For more information, please contact:
COMMUNICATIONSWestbank First Nation
T 250 769 4999 | Email
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