Apr 12 2024

ÍY SȻÁĆEL (good day) - a SENĆOŦEN Language workshop

The first SENĆOŦEN language workshop held on SḴŦAḴ / Mayne Island, this event was led by SX̱EDŦELISIYE, LIQITIYE, and Tye.

They discussed the revitalization of the language through the creation of the SENĆOŦEN alphabet, and the development of the SENĆOŦEN dictionary; the impact of residential schools on the suppression of the language; and the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ immersion language program.

Language instruction included the basics of the alphabet and its sounds, some key expressions and concepts (e.g. ṮEṮÁĆES, ĆELÁṈEN), and important place names and their meaning (e.g. SḴŦAḴ, ÁLEṈEN).

This event was co-presented with the Mayne Island Library Association and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, with generous funding through the Province of BC and the BC Arts Council Arts Impact Program. Sponsored by the Mayne Island Early Childhood Society.