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Home / Our Community / Culture and Language / Language

Language

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    • Language
      • Language Learning
        • Request for Language Submission Form
    • Museum
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    • Public Art
      • Public Art Committee Application
  • Member Policy Engagement
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    • Calendar
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    • Membership Newsletter
    • News
    • Publications
  • Projects and Planning
    • Current Projects
    • Long-Term Planning
      • Active Transportation Plan
      • Community Wildfire Protection Plan
      • Comprehensive Community Plan
      • Development Cost Charge Update
      • Drainage Master Plan
      • Housing Strategy
      • New Early Years Centre
      • Parks and Trails Master Plan
      • Transportation Plan
      • Wastewater Master Service Plan
    • Past Projects
      • Falcon Lane Apartments & Fox Road Triplex
      • sənsisyustən Expansion and Renovation
      • Wildfire Fuel Mitigation Project
  • Property Management
    • Facilities
      • Early Years Centre
      • Elders Hall
      • Facility Rental Inquiry
      • Facility Rentals
      • Gymnasium and Weight Room
      • Multipurpose Room and Kitchen
      • Outdoor Kitchen
      • Pavilion
      • Pine Stadium Ball Park
      • Youth Centre
    • Housing
      • Housing Financial Assistance
      • Housing Projects
      • Member Non-Profit Housing
      • Rental Housing Incentive Program
    • Parks, Beaches and Campgrounds
  • Residential Tenancy Information
  • Schools and Daycare
    • Central Okanagan School District
    • sənsisyustən House of Learning
      • Apply to the School Board
      • School Bus Application Form
    • WCDC Daycare and Preschool
  • Tourism

nsyilxcən

nsyilxcən, an Interior Salish language, is the traditional language of Westbank First Nation and the syilx peoples of the Okanagan valley. The eight syilx communities that share this language are the Okanagan Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Nicola Indian Band, and Colville Confederated Tribes.

According to the 2014 FPCC Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages, only 3.7% of the Okanagan Nation population (5,181) are fluent nsyilxcən speakers.

Nsyilxcen Language Stats FPCC.jpg
Image credit: 2014 FPCC Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages

Revitalization

Throughout the Okanagan, steps are being taken to teach nsyilxcən to our youth. nsyilxcən is now recognized as an official language and is taught throughout School District #23, as well as at Sensisyusten House of Learning, which is an elementary school in Westbank First Nation. Westbank First Nation sponsors the Syilx Language House Association, which coordinates a four-year nsyilxcən language program. Two WFN Members are currently enrolled in the program.

Language Programs

The syilx Language House Association offers immersion classes, teacher training, and publishes language materials that promote the use, preservation, and revitalization of nsyilxcən. The first immersion program cohort was initiated in 2015 with 17 students.

SYILX LANGUAGE HOUSE

Learn Our Language

Learn nsyilxcən words and phrases through the First Voices website, developed by the First Peoples Cultural Council. A First Voices nsyilxcən language app is also available for download through iTunes.

Language Revitalization Project

REQUEST FOR LANGUAGE

sncəwips Heritage Museum Brochure 

 

 

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