In September 2024, several lab members went to Merritt to attend the 2024 Language & Culture Móqʷix hosted by Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly.  We got to listen to and learn from many presentations, meet and visit with our consultants and other community members, and just enjoy hearing lots of nɬeʔkpemxcín being spoken.  A highlight was hearing Iona and Aaron Sumexheltza talk about their creative efforts to pass the language on to their (grand-)children.

We also hosted two discussion circles where we shared a bit about our work, and heard others’ thoughts on the topic of language documentation.  It was especially meaningful to hear our consultants discuss the importance of recording their language.  We are very grateful to them and everyone else who spoke to us with such honesty and care.

Thank you to CNA for organizing — we look forward to next year!

UBC lab members (back row; L-R) Reed Steiner, Professor Lisa Matthewson, Anna Stacey, Brent Hall, and Noah Luntzlara meet with (front row; L-R) language consultants Kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia and C̓úʔsinek Marty Aspinall, and collaborator and language teacher Na’zinek Mandy Jimmie.

Brent Hall and Na’zinek Mandy Jimmie puzzle over some nɬeʔkepmxcín letter tiles.

Kʷaɬtəzétkʷu Bernice Garcia, C̓úʔsinek Marty Aspinall, and Na’zinek Mandy Jimmie share their thoughts and experiences in a discussion circle.