Mid-Island Indigenous language learning more than tripled last decade

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Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse said he's happy to see younger people working hard to preserve the language.

Indigenous language has seen a significant boost on the mid Island, with 37 per cent of Indigenous youths able to speak a few words compared to 10 per cent a decade ago.

In the Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district, the main Indigenous language is Island hul'q'umi'num', passed down through the Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Stz'uminus First Nations.

“I’m happy to see our younger people working hard to preserve and learn our language," said Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse. "It means a lot to know community members are attending our beginner and intermediate hul’q’umi’num’ classes at the Snuneymuxw Learning Academy and then continuing with post secondary language studies."

Through the district, 17 schools have elders in residence and hul'q'umi'num' language teachers. Tait said the district's focus has been making programs available in schools that have a higher Indigenous population and populations closest to reserve, including Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh School, which receives a contingent of culture and language supports.

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