Program Overview

Indigenous Languages

Overview

Explore Indigenous languages and ways of knowing in introductory and immersion settings, developed locally as part of NIC’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Courses focus on basic conversation, structure and pronunciation with topics like greetings, social interactions and community. Multiple dialects are offered for each language – see course descriptions for details.

Location

Refer to timetable for course location

Length

4 months (per course)

Requirements and Courses

Kwak'wala Courses

Kwak'wala courses focus on the basic conversation, structure and pronunciation of Kwak'wala 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 Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw First Nation members and develop strategies to support learning their Indigenous languages. Courses may be taught in different dialects and orthography systems.

• KWA - 096 Introduction to Kwak'wala I
• KWA - 097 Introduction to Kwak'wala II
• KWA - 098 Kwakwala Intro to UMista Orthography

Nuu-chah-nulth Courses

Meaning "all along the mountains and sea," 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's West Coast.

Nuu-chan-nulth courses focus on developing listening techniques and learning words, phrases and greetings to communicate in the home, the classroom and with elders. Students will learn sound patterns and word pronunciations for conversational Nuu-chah-nulth. Courses may be taught in different dialects.

• NCN - 096 Introduction to Nuu-chah-nulth Language
• NCN - 097 Introductory Nuu-chah-nulth Language II

Ayajuthem Courses

You'll learn basic conversation, structure, and pronunciation with a focus on listening and speaking during Ayajuthem language immersion. Ayajuthem is essential to who we are as Homalco, Klahoose, Kʼómoks, and Tla'amin First Nations people. You'll gain a basic understanding of learner strategies and methods that are advantageous for Indigenous language acquisition.

• AYA - 096 Introduction to Ayajuthem
• AYA - 097 Introduction to Ayajuthem II

Indigenous Supports

Connect with educational supports, find space on campus and more.

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