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91ƵWe cannot reconcile without speaking the same words91Ƶ: Ktunaxa language course offered

The Ktunaxa language is traditionally spoken by the peoples of of the Ktunaxa Nation, which covers approximately 70,000 square kilometres within the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, and historically included parts of Alberta, Montana, Washington, and Idaho.
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Alfred Joseph and Mara Nelson lead the Ktunaxa language course. CBEEN image

The Ktunaxa language is traditionally spoken by the peoples of of the Ktunaxa Nation, which covers approximately 70,000 square kilometres within the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, and historically included parts of Alberta, Montana, Washington, and Idaho.

According to aqam.net, 91ƵThe Ktunaxa language is an integral part of our identity as a nation and a community. It is known as a cultural isolate language 91Ƶ an exceptionally unique language unlike and unrelated to any other in the world 91Ƶ and it is critically endangered.91Ƶ

Mara Nelson, is ʔaqⱡsmaknik (a Ktunaxa person), and she, along with Ktunaxa elder, Alfred Joseph, are leading courses this fall in the language.

Running September through December 2023, the courses are available via Zoom through the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network.

91ƵCBEEN is the platform we use for the classes,91Ƶ Nelson said. 91ƵThey give us a wonderful venue.91Ƶ

Nelson says that there are currently under 30 fluent speakers of the Ktunaxa language.

91ƵThankfully that number is rising,91Ƶ she said.

One of the goals of the courses when they began in 2022 was to educate the educators that live and teach in Ktunaxa territory so that the language is present in every Ktunaxa classroom, but that has evolved.

91ƵOriginally it was to educate educators, but we realized we need business people, cashiers in our stores, those who work in libraries, to be comfortable in our greetings,91Ƶ Nelson said. 91ƵOur goal is that anyone who call calls Ktunaxa home is comfortable with the language.

The 12-weeks of lessons cover greetings, common daily items, verb and noun work and, very importantly, sounds. The sounds are important, Nelson says, so the words in this very distinct language are pronounced properly.

91ƵEach session we say the day, greetings, and then there is a unit of work.91Ƶ

They are beyond pleased with the response the courses have received since the beginning, she says.

91ƵOur goal was 45 students, we got 75 to 80 with a hunger to know this language. We started in November 2022 and have been running continuously.91Ƶ

There are still a few spots available in this fall91Ƶs course. You can sign up .

91ƵIt91Ƶs very important that residents know the language of the Ktunaxa people, so that we can greet each other with respect. The land is rooted with the language and culture,91Ƶ Nelson said.

91ƵWe cannot reconcile without speaking the same words.91Ƶ

https://www.kimberleybulletin.com/news/ktunaxa-language-inspires-new-cotr-student-residence-names/



Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
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