Witsuwit’eN Language Program
Niwhkinic, Niwh'it'ëN: OUr Language, OUr Ways

Our program's main focus is to reestablish the natural language learning patterns that were disrupted by colonisation, residential school and the Sixties Scoop. To do that, we must empower Witsuwit'en adults to support their children and grandchildren's learning.

We initiated two key programs in 2017 in partnership with the Witsuwit'en Child and Family Centre (KWES - Kyah Wiget Education Society) and Witset First Nation:  a Witsuwit'en language nest (daycare immersion program) and an adult program for the parents of children attending the language nest. We also offered 2 additional classes in hopes of reaching other parents and family groupings.

That first year was funded by the National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) ($100,000). In 2018,  we were able to secure funding for next 3 years ($100,000 per year) through First Peoples Cultural Council. 

ADULT WITSUWIT'EN LANGUAGE PROGRAM

  • We offer 3 adult language classes to over 40 students - 90 percent of whom are in their second year. Classes are held Tuesdays (Witset – Language Nest Parents - LEVEL 2), Wednesdays (Smithers – Off-Yin Tah Witsuwit’en - LEVEL 2) and Thursdays (Witset Community - LEVEL 1).​ NOTE: TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY LEVEL 2 CLASSES ARE FULL.
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  • The program’s uses 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. It introduces high frequency words using images and Total Physical Response (TPR) methods of teaching. TPR learning is interactive and uses physical movement with the spoken language to develop memory retention.​ Using the FNLE curriculum in the language nest, elementary school and adult programs, ensures that everyone is learning together, using a common language set, which provides greater opportunity to practice.

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  • ​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 gestures with language, scenarios and games to teach language through prolonged periods of immersion.​
  • We have  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.
  • In 2018, we piloted an office mentorship with Witset First Nation office employees to help them provide Elders with service in the language and hopefully reach more Witsuwit'en families. We hope to initiate another office mentorship in 2019 with another Witsuwit’en organisation. We teach job specific language so they can begin using Witsuwit’en daily at work.
  • In summer of 2018, we drafting a Witsuwit'en adaptation of the FNLE. We hope to complete final versions the first 4 units in 2019. ​

Witsuwit'en Language Nest

Goal: For Witsuwit’en children to hear Witsuwit’en exclusively at least 15 hours a week so they can become fluent speakers. This is a full immersion program! 
  • We started with a small group of children ages 0-3 allows and 2 fluent speakers in the Witsuwit'en Child and Family Centre in Witset. We are expanding this year to include children between 3-4 years old.
  • This program is possible because the WLCS and KWES’s partnership. WLCS’s Role: Proposal writing, shared financial tracking, monitoring and reporting. KWES’s Role: Program management and financial responsibility.
  • Staff who are not fluent in the language are also taking part in our Adult language program.

Witsuwit'en Language Nest staff learning the language WITH LANGUAGE TEACHER AMANDA LEWIS to help fluent speakers create full immersion. 

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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