Witsuwit’en Adult Language Program
Niwhkinic, Niwh'it'ën

Our Adult Witsuwit’en Language Program was initiated in 2017 with funding from the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) in partnership with Witset First Nation ($100,000). In 2018, through First Peoples Cultural Council, we were able to secure funding for next 3 years.($100,000 per year)

  • Our adult program consists of 3 language classes with about 35 students, over 90 percent of which are returning from last year.  The 3 classes are held Tuesdays (Witset – Language Nest Parents), Wednesdays (Smithers – Off-Yin Tah Witsuwit’en) and Thursdays (Witset Community).​
  • The program’s foundation is the First Nations Language Essentials (FNLE) curriculum (developed by Kathryn Michell – Chief Atahm School) piloted by Witsuwit’en Language Teacher Amanda Lewis at Witset Elementary School. 
  • FNLE introduces high frequency words using images and Total Physical Response (TPR) methods of teaching. TPR learning is interactive and use physical movement in association with the spoken language to help memory retention.
  • Using the FNLE curriculum in the language nest, elementary school and adult programs, we are ensuring that everyone is learning together, using a common language set, which provides greater opportunity to practice.
  • Teaching tools and methods from the Where Are Your Keys (WAYK) program (successfully used to revitalise the Squamish language) have also been incorporated. WAYK focuses on using physical signs with language, as well as scenarios and games to teach language through prolonged periods of immersion.
  • We have also developed many of our own activities and ideas to promote immersion based language learning.
  • We teach survival phrases so that students can lead their own learning outside of class.
  • Classes also provide cultural activities (ex. hide pouch making, mini-button blankets).
  • We offer one language camp a year in the summer.
  • Last year we piloted office mentorship with Witset First Nation office employees. We hope to begin that mentorship again in January 2019 and extend it to one other Witsuwit’en organisation. We teach job specific language that they can begin using Witsuwit’en daily at work.
  • In summer of 2018, we drafted 4 units of the FNLE into Witsuwit’en. We hope to complete final versions in 2019 and begin the next set of units. This would be implemented in our adult program and at Witset Elementary School.​  

Transcription & Digitization

Transcription

​Through funding from the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (First Peoples Culture Council) the WLCS was able to hire language keepers and youth to work together to transcribe audio recordings containing history and stories in our language. The project ensured we are able to utilize the information on the cassettes for future curriculum development projects while providing an invaluable opportunity for young Witsuwit'en to spend time with fluent speakers learning our language.

Digitization

Through funding from the Indigitization Program, WLCS was able to participate in a training program on digitizing old audio-cassettes.  A summer student was hired to assist in this process of digitizing.

Witsuwit’en History Book

Niwhts’ide’nï Hibi’it’ën, The Ways of Our Ancestors:  Witsuwit’en History & Culture Throughout the Millennia
By Mélanie H. Morin
This textbook was created as a result of cooperation and collaboration between School District #54 (Bulkley Valley), researchers, educators, and Witsuwit'en community members and organizations to teach future generations about Witsuwit'en history and culture.  The Witsuwit'en Language and Culture Society based out of Witset (Moricetown) has reviewed and approved this work in its entirety. 
It is available for purchase at Interior Stationary (Mills), Mountain Eagle Books and School District #54 (Bulkley Valley) in Smithers, BC.

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