The first graduate class from the Syilx Language program, 2019.
Image Credit: Syilx Language House
November 06, 2023 - 3:30 PM
Okanagan students will demonstrate their proficiency in the Nsyilxc?n' language this week as part of a greater effort to keep Syilx language and culture alive.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the Syilx Language House in Penticton will be hosting online Nsyilxc?n' language presentations through Zoom. The presentations will be delivered by the house’s newest set of learners.
“This is a big and exciting step in their journey to fluency,” executive director, Michele Johnson said in press release. “You're invited to witness and support them as they share a bit about themselves in Nsyilxc?n’.”
For eight years the Syilx Language House has been guiding students to fluency in the Nsyilxc?n' language.
“As Syilx people, located within the Syilx Nation, learning Nsyilxc?n' is our act of reconciliation and resistance,” it states on the House’s website. "Our mission is to create new fluent Nsyilxc?n'… speakers in the Syilx Nation, record Elders, provide a safe learning environment, act with professionalism, lateral kindness, and reflect our deep sqilxw teachings.”
The House provides a combination of immersion, community and guided learning. Members also do important restoration work by recording and publishing stories from fluent elders to its website.
On Friday Dec. 1, the House will be launching its ninth book of Elder’s stories.
“This year, five fluent Elders have shared their stories with us. We are heartened by their generosity as we share this new book and accompanying recordings,” said Johnson. “Each of these books is a huge achievement in language preservation.”
The House describes itself as a grassroots non-profit charitable society that's supported by Syilx communities to revitalize the Nsyilxc?n' language.
More information about the language presentations can be found on the Facebook Event Page here.
More information about the Syilx Language House can be found on its website here.
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