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㽶ƵֱWe cannot reconcile without speaking the same words㽶Ƶֱ: 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, 㽶ƵֱThe Ktunaxa language is an integral part of our identity as a nation and a community. It is known as a cultural isolate language 㽶Ƶֱ an exceptionally unique language unlike and unrelated to any other in the world 㽶Ƶֱ and it is critically endangered.㽶Ƶֱ

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.

㽶ƵֱCBEEN is the platform we use for the classes,㽶Ƶֱ Nelson said. 㽶ƵֱThey give us a wonderful venue.㽶Ƶֱ

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

㽶ƵֱThankfully that number is rising,㽶Ƶֱ 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.

㽶ƵֱOriginally 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,㽶Ƶֱ Nelson said. 㽶ƵֱOur 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.

㽶ƵֱEach session we say the day, greetings, and then there is a unit of work.㽶Ƶֱ

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

㽶ƵֱOur 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.㽶Ƶֱ

There are still a few spots available in this fall㽶Ƶֱs course. You can sign up .

㽶ƵֱIt㽶Ƶֱs 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,㽶Ƶֱ Nelson said.

㽶ƵֱWe cannot reconcile without speaking the same words.㽶Ƶֱ

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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