Irene Robinson could see it clearly

Among the 14 tribes of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth indigenous peoples in British Columbia only about 200 fluent speakers of the language are left, many over 65 years old. The language is slowly dying.

So in 2012, the local author wrote a children’s book about the ceremonies celebrated within the Nuu-Chah-Nulth. The book features an “easy speak” way of writing, where the names of the ceremonies are written in both the Nuu-Chah-Nulth alphabet as well as in the Roman alphabet to help readers learn the language.

“I like the easy speak,” said Jackie Wells, the Family and Health Services Team Leader at the Port Alberni Friendship Centre. “It lets me learn along with my child.”

The residential schools’ policy of prohibiting Indigenous language has made it difficult for many languages to survive. One elder rarely speaks the language even today. “Every time he speaks [Nuu-chah-nulth], his stomach clenches because of the memories of the beatings he received at residential school for speaking his language,” said Robinson.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) works to preserve and revitalize the language and culture. Without the technology or financial resources to develop teaching tools to promote and teach the language, it is challenging. PWRDF has partnered with NEDC to address some of those funding gaps, such as the cost of distributing Robinson’s book among the community.

The book has been shared with local parents, as well as the local schools and libraries. It has created an opportunity for elders to pass on their knowledge of language and culture to a younger generation.

“I see kids who go to school on the reserve to learn their culture, singing, and dancing.  They feel good about themselves,” said Robinson. “It makes me proud.”