Indigenous Languages

Explore the Kwak’wala, Nuu-chah-nulth and Ayajuthem languages with Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Courses focus on basic conversation, structure and pronunciation in a setting focused on listening and speaking. Topics include greetings, social interactions, community and more. Multiple dialects are offered in each language - see the course descriptions for details. 

You can study Kwak’wala, Nuu-chah-nulth and Ayajuthem tuition-free through the Adult Basic Education program.

Kwak’wala Courses

Kwak’wala courses focus on the basic conversation, structure and pronunciation of Kwak’wala in a setting focused on listening and speaking. Topics include greetings, social interactions, community and more. Students will also learn about the vital role of the language to Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw First Nation members and develop strategies to support learning their Indigenous languages. Courses may be taught in different dialects and orthography systems.

Nuu-chah-nulth

Meaning “all along the mountains and sea,” the Nuu-chah-nulth language is spoken by 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations made up of 10,000 members in three regions on Vancouver Island’s West Coast.

Nuu-chan-nulth courses focus on developing listening techniques and learning words, phrases and greetings to communicate in the home, the classroom and with elders. Students will learn sound patterns and word pronunciations for conversational Nuu-chah-nulth. Courses may be taught in different dialects.

Ayajuthem

You’ll learn basic conversation, structure, and pronunciation with a focus on listening and speaking during Ayajuthem language immersion. Ayajuthem is essential to who we are as Homalco, Klahoose, K’omoks, and Tla’amin First Nations people. You’ll gain a basic understanding of learner strategies and methods that are advantageous for Indigenous language acquisition.