Second annual Indigenous language revitalization event takes over Pomeroy Sports Centre

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The topic of Indigenous language revitalization was at the forefront of an event held in Fort St. John during April’s last full week.

Doig River First Nation (DRFN) is hosting its second Reawakening of Our Language Gathering at the Pomeroy Sport Centre on April 24th and 25th.

The event is put together in partnership with Northern Lights College (NLC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).

Although 350 spots were available for registration, the event quickly sold out. 

Additionally, cultural departments from both Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) had representatives on hand.

The event began with a brief history of the Beaver language in the DRFN community, beginning with Roz Smith. 

Her parents, Marshall and Jean Holdstock, were linguists and moved from England to northeast B.C. in the early 1960s.

Adapting to the lifestyle of the people of DRFN, they assisted in putting together the Beaver language in written form with the former Chief, the late Billy Attachie.

“They were two British people who didn’t speak Beaver,” said Smith. “They needed a language expert for intonations, the tone of the words being up or down.

“There are many differences in the language. It was a lifetime. The language was already there, but not in any written form that could be handed or taught down to the next generation.”

Garry Oker, whose music single Tsuu Naa Yeh had its first public listening during the event, said events such as these are what fosters knowledge and language growth among Indigenous peoples.

“Getting everybody to speak and sing along with me, that is the innovation of language,” said Oker. “Let’s be innovative, creative and keep the language alive.”

The opening morning also included a keynote address from Christopher Parkin of the Salish School of Spokane. Parkin brought his grandchildren, wife, son and daughter-in-law.  

Notably, his son told the family’s story entirely in Salish, while his granddaughter interpreted in English.

Parkin’s school, founded 15 years ago, instructs students from kindergarten through to grade eight, ensuring the survival of the Salish language for a generation.

Michael Calvert, Indigenous education director for NLC, feels the future of the event is pivotal in continuing to grow the Beaver language.

“One of my favourite parts about being here is seeing the smile on peoples’ faces,” said Calvert. “They see how important the work is.

“[People] want to be engaged in this work and to come here and to build relationships and have conversations around language revitalization, to see it in work, to learn about the tools that are needed to support communities.”

The afternoon had workshops centered around governance, immersion practices, land-based healing and how to implement First Nations teachings in the provincial curriculum.

Additionally, an Elders’ tent, a story teepee for youngsters and an artisan market were also there.

Friday wrapped up with dinner and a ceremonial tea dance. 

The two-day Reawakening of Our Language Gathering finishes Friday afternoon.