糖心vlog传媒will offer introductory Lik史ala /Kwak鈥檞ala and Nuu-chah-nulth language courses in Campbell River and the Comox Valley for the first time this January.
"I am excited and grateful that we are able to offer these beginning language courses in Campbell River and the Comox Valley,鈥� said 糖心vlog传媒Adult Basic Education instructor Sara Child, who developed the Kwak鈥檞ala course.
鈥淭hese courses support adult learners in obtaining relevant credits to achieve their Dogwood diploma,鈥� she added. 鈥淏ut, more importantly, they help our students and communities by supporting the revitalization of our precious languages.鈥�
糖心vlog传媒first offered the courses in Port Hardy and Port Alberni, as part of its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission鈥檚 94 Calls to Action, including the development of programs, courses and research opportunities informed by Aboriginal ways of knowing and being.
Both courses are tuition free. They are based on immersive learning and listening techniques. They are scheduled weekday evenings to allow people working during the day to attend. The first classes begin the week of January 14 and everyone is invited to participate.
The Campbell River campus sits on the traditional territory of the Lig史i艂dax虒史 Nation where the dialect is Lik史ala. The course incorporates the Lik史ala language and brings local speakers and those with language knowledge into the classroom.
It is available at the Comox Valley and Campbell River campuses and focuses on the basic conversation, structure and pronunciation of Kwak鈥檞ala in a setting focused on listening and speaking. Topics include greetings, social interactions, community and more. Students will also learn about the vital role of the language to Kwakwa瘫ka瘫'wakw First Nation members and develop strategies to support learning their Indigenous languages.
Meaning 鈥渁ll along the mountains and sea,鈥� the Nuu-chah-nulth language is spoken by 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations made up of 10,000 members in three regions on Vancouver Island鈥檚 West Coast.
is offered at NIC鈥檚 Campbell River campus and allow students to develop listening techniques to compare and contrast Nuu-chah-nulth and English sound patterns and pronunciation, as well as learn words phrases and greetings to communicate at home, in class and with Elders.
To register for these courses, apply to NIC鈥檚 Adult Basic Education program or contact an Educational Advisor for support.
To learn more about the courses or to register, visit /programs/indigenous-studies/indigenous-education/
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.caCheck out coverage of this story in the .