This is their first time teaching together and things are looking up.
Co-teachers Michele Johnson and Krista Lindley are bringing a program that teaches Syilx to the Westbank First Nation.
Johnson first started teaching the course in Penticton. Lindley was one of her former students.
Because this is the first time she鈥檚 offering the course in West 91大黄鸭, Johnson thought there would only be a handful of people signing up, saying the original plan was to teach Syilx in her living room.
But 25 people ended up registering, so they rushed to find a bigger space in time for this week鈥檚 start.
Lindley found a room at Westbank First Nation鈥檚 Youth Building.
As for the thought of a bigger class, both Johnson and Lindley called it intimidating.
鈥淚t鈥檚 scary but good. It鈥檚 exciting to realize that there are so many people interested in learning (Syilx),鈥� Lindley said.
鈥淲e had a core group of two or three people that we knew (were interested)鈥 ordered some chairs, I ordered 12 textbooks and 25 people signed up. And I just can鈥檛 fit 25 people in my home,鈥� Johnson added.
Johnson said the program is open to anyone who may be interested.
She said they鈥檙e hoping more people from non-Indigenous communities come to learn Syilx.
鈥淲e鈥檙e making it wide open. We have plenty of space now. We have a linguist coming, a few teachers from the Sensisyusten Band School are coming that are non-Indigenous,鈥� Johnson said.
鈥淲e welcome the spouses, family members and friends (of current students). We welcome everyone.
鈥淭his is a totally inclusive wrap-around program based on kindness and inclusivity.鈥�
The first level of the program will be taught for four months. Classes are on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
The textbook, which includes lessons and exercises, as well as audio recordings is available .
READ MORE: Google Earth features B.C. Indigenous language in new audio series
READ: 60 per cent of all Canadian Indigenous languages are in B.C.
twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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