February 21 happens to be “International Mother Language Day!”
https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
It’s a good time to remind everyone that the Ktunaxa ʔa·kⱡukaqwum (language), is ancient and an ‘isolate,’ unrelated to any other language in the world.
ʔa·kⱡukaqwum is integral to the Ktunaxa identity.
Like many Indigenous languages, Ktunaxa ʔa·kⱡukaqwum was severely impacted by colonial policies, including residential schools, forced assimilation, and criminalized cultural practices. This disrupted knowledge transmission between generations.
But now, language revitalization is happening.
Revitalization sounds like:
- Community language classes
- More speakers, and more confidence in speaking
- Ktunaxa Literacy Day, every October 24
- Digital tools for portable learning
- Curriculum development
- Recording and transcription
- Land-based learning programs
- Language apprenticeships
- And more!
There are multiple ways you can learn and practice, and there are even Ktunaxa-created resources designed to help anyone learn how to document their beloved Indigenous language.
Find more Ktunaxa language links by visiting https://ktunaxahakqyit.org/ktunaxa-tkl
Keep an eye on Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) for current and upcoming language classes led by Ktunaxa Elders and ʔa·kⱡukaqwum Champions.
Most important, let’s THANK those in our communities who share Ktunaxa ʔa·kⱡukaqwum–their work is at the heart of everything.
