Nlaka’pamuxcin - Saving a Language at Risk
As geocachers we come to Gold Country on a quest to find the treasures. In our quest, the real treasures we discover lie not in boxes, but outside the boxes. We discover history – both recent and ancient, industry, culture, geology, biology, people, and art. We recognize how crucial it is to preserve and embrace all of these treasures. The Nlaka’pamuxcin language is one of those treasures that, thanks to the hard work of many people in local indigenous communities, is being revived and nurtured.
In Canada, many indigenous languages are at risk. Years of residential school influence, where children were forced to speak English and punished for speaking their own languages, are a primary reason for the demise. These languages in particular are more fragile than others because of the oral nature of the culture. Theirs is an oral speaking tradition and there are no printed texts to refer to. The language is passed from generation to generation and with it the stories and subtle details of a unique world view. When one generation is unable to pass on the language and information, the results can be catastrophic.
According to the Coldwater Indian Band’s website, of slightly over 800 members in 2013, only 12 speak and understand the language fluently, and 154 somewhat understand and speak it. For those who do speak and understand fluently, all are over the age of 55. The great news is, 210 members are currently learning the language.
While there are many programs across the country for preserving and learning indigenous languages, a new program in the Merritt region is adding new technology to programs that are already teaching the local Nlaka’pamuxcin language.
The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA) is a group of eight bands, (Ashcroft, Coldwater, Boston Bar, Cook’s Ferry, Nicomen, Nooaitch, Shakan, Siska ) who have pooled their resources and created a partnership agreement with Highland Valley Copper (Teck) out of Logan Lake, and the provincial government. Part of their goal is to help revitalize the Nlaka’pamuxcin language.
Talking Technology and Nlaka’pamuxcin
Using CAN 8 software the CNA team has created a system where fluent Nlaka’pamuxcin speaking elders record a variety of words and phrases. The learners, some as young as 5 years old, then listen to the words or phrases and record them so they can compare the two versions and fine tune their pronunciation. Finally, there is an English version printed as a reference with many symbols and letters used to represent the unusual vocal sounds the words require. Phrases and eventually stories, songs, and cultural knowledge will be included as time progresses.
The program was launched in March of 2017. The CNA purchased 50 software licenses and will eventually be placing 48 computers in various locations within the eight communities that make up the assembly. Many of these places already have Nlaka’pamuxcin learning programs and the computers and software will enhance the work that is already being done.
Future plans include bringing fluent Nlaka’pamuxcin language-speaking elders together to have them create new words to fill gaps in the vocabulary. “Words like seatbelt,” laughs Language Program Illustrator, Lena Nicholson. “We don’t have a word for seatbelt.” Other modern words will be created to help the language evolve to meet the needs of both the traditional and modern worlds. They also plan to revise and update a dictionary that was printed many years ago and is now out of print, possibly creating a digital interactive version.
Nicholson, who is a key member of the team responsible for the program, visits classrooms to watch the kids using the programs looking for ways the team can improve and expand on what they’ve started. “The kids show us ways they’re using it that we hadn’t thought of,” she explains.
The team also supports outings where the language can be used and practiced in action. In Lytton, a group of Lytton Elementary students went harvesting Tetúwn’ (spring beauty/wild potato) and C’ewéteʔ (wild celery) in Botanie Valley with local elders. A fall scavenger hunt (http://cna-trust.ca/docs/fall_scavenger_hunt.pdf) was created for youth and elders in Boston Bar. How many can you find in your travels around Gold Country?
Some nłeʔkepamux Words
When visiting another territory or country, it’s a gesture of respect to learn some basic words in the home language of that area. These words are written in the nłeʔkepamux language (nłeʔkepmxcin) with a very rough phonetic translations after in brackets.
Sky sƛ̓íqt (sthlkeet)
Water qʷúʔ (ko)
Earth tmíxʷ (tmeekw)
Hello (how are you) hénłeʔ (hanthla)
Thank you kʷukʷ scémxʷ (cook shemk)
Exploring (walk looking for something) xʷes’ít (whesheet)
Friend snúk̓ʷeʔ (shnooka)
Jean York, Mary Angus, Lena Nicholson and Jack Miller, members of the Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly Language Team, provided invaluable assistance in gathering these words with the hope that they may be of interest to geocachers.
Bibliography and Sources
“Language and culture” (no date), in Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly, Retrieved July 2, 2017 from http://cna-trust.ca/languageculture.htm
“Language: Our Nlaka’pamuxcin Language” (no date), In Coldwater Indian Band, Retrieved July 3, 2017 from https://www.coldwaterband.com/people-culture/language
“New software keeps old language alive” (March 13, 2017), In Merritt Herald, Retrieved June 13, 2017 from http://www.merrittherald.com/new-software-keeps-old-language-alive/
Nicholson, L. Personal Interview, July 3, 2017
Detailed access information:
Travel Highway 5A to Monck Park Road, entering Monck Park Provincial Park. Park in the parking area just past the Monck Park Sign. West across the road is the trail head, follow the trail southwest (to the left).
Please Note
Be Animal Aware: These woods are home to bears, snakes etc.
Well defined trail, with a few steeper(but not too steep) sections.