September 24, 2024
West Vancouver, B.C.— Like many Indigenous languages, Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim, the language of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), was nearly lost due to colonial policies. Today, there are 12 fluent speakers, and more than 200 learners.
As part of its commitment to reconciliation and in an effort to support language preservation, the West Vancouver Memorial Library (WVML) has partnered with Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim speaker and knowledge keeper Tsitsáyxemaat Rebecca Duncan to develop the Skw’shítsut/Skw’shétsut – Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim Language Kits.
About the language kits
Inside the kits, you will find a variety of hands-on, immersive language-learning tools that reflect the culture and oral traditions of the Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim language. Anyone can borrow one of five Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim Language Kits for up to three weeks.
Each kit includes:
- Dictionary: The Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim Xwelíten Skexwts = Squamish-English Dictionary serves as a foundational resource. It is accompanied by a QR code that links to the new Talking Dictionary for an enhanced, interactive learning experience.
- Audio Player: With the Yoto Mini Player, learners can hear Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim. Audio recordings by Tsitsáyxemaat and Chámiy̓a Janis Campbell, captured in WVML’s state-of-the-art recording studio, ensure you can practise the correct pronunciation.
- Alphabet Blocks: Carved Alphabet and Number Blocks allow for playful and engaging interactive learning.
- Opposites Flashcards: The Kw’ákw’iy̓ek (Opposites) Flashcards offer a fun and memorable way to learn the language. Tsitsáyxemaat cherishes this piece, noting, “My favourite part of the kits is the Kw’ákw’iy̓ek (Opposites) Flashcards. This helped me and others learn the language quicker; having these available for others is incredibly meaningful.”
- Foraging Walks Guide: The Slhánay̓ Skwálwen – Squamish Nation Foraging Walks Guide connects language learning with land-based teachings.
- Animal Flashcards: The S7ukw’ukw’ín̓exw, Tsékwtsekw, iy Stl’álkem: Animals, Insects, and Supernatural Beings Flashcards introduce you to common animals and culturally significant beings.
- Stl’ashn Skw’shítsut-Potlatch Game: Developed in collaboration with NDNPlayers, Stl’ashn Skw’shítsut-Potlatch is a cooperative game that teaches the idea of a shared economy.
Tsitsáyxemaat emphasizes the significance of these kits: “I love this project because I fully support our Squamish language and culture. I’m very passionate about it. These kits are more than just educational resources—they are a crucial part of our collective effort to revive and sustain the Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim language for future generations. Our children need to grow up learning and hearing this language and have it be a normal part of their lives. These kits are more than just learning tools—they’re vital to reconnecting our people with their identity.”
“We are so grateful for Tsitsáyxemaat’s willingness to share her knowledge of and passion for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language,” says WVML’s Board Chair, Tracy Wachmann. “For the Library, this has been an incredibly meaningful collaboration. Supporting language preservation and recognizing the cultural importance of language is one of the Library’s responses to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.”
The Province of British Columbia funded these kits through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.