Syilx Language House - N̓syilxčn̓ Language Lesson

Access

About

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join Executive Director of the Syilx Language House, Michele Johnson, PhD, for a N̓syilxčn̓ language lesson.

N̓syilxčn̓ is an Interior Salish language and is critically endangered with fewer than 40 fluent Elders remaining. The Syilx Nation stretches across the Interior Plateau from Revelstoke BC to northern Washington. There are seven Syilx Bands in Canada: Okanagan Indian Band OKIB, Westbank First Nation WFN, Penticton Indian Band PIB, Osoyoos Indian Band OIB, Lower Similkameen Indian Band LSIB, Upper Similkameen Indian Band USIB, Upper Nicola Indian Band UNIB. Syilx members in the U.S. are represented by the Colville Confederated Tribes CCT (WA), which has 12 tribes including five N̓syilxčn̓ speaking tribes, the Sinixt (Sn̓ʕay̓čkstx Arrow Lakes), Mətxʷu Methow, Nspil̓m̓ Nespilem, Sn̓pʕaw̓ilx Sanpoil, and Sx̌ʷy̓iłp Colville nation members.

The lesson can be attended in-person at the RCA's Mary Irwin Theatre or via livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/kelownaculturedays/live/

Tickets to the event are free, with donations gratefully accepted and going directly to the Language House. Confirming your reservation in advance is strongly recommended as space is limited due to covid-19 safety measures. Reserve here: https://rotarycentreforthearts.com/events/event/76803/

Please note: masks are mandatory for audience members in the Mary Irwin Theatre and social distancing will be in effect. Visit www.rotarycentreforthearts.com for more information about covid-19 safety measures at the venue.

Links

• Website thelanguagehouse.ca

Organizer

Syilx Language House

Syilx Language House is a non-profit charitable society with the express purpose of creating N̓syilxčn̓ (Syilx, Salish, Okanagan) speakers in the Syilx Nation, recording our precious fluent Elders, forming an empowered speaking community, and running a language nest for toddlers & children with Ti Kʷu Ti X̌ilx Association.

Learning N̓syilxčn̓ is our act of reconciliation and resistance and strengthens our families, health of our communities, our youth, Syilx Nation, land-based knowledge, and expresses our title and rights. We do this for the people-to-be.