Despite limited resources, indigenous-language programs persevere in B.C. (fwd link)

[Phil Cash Cash]

Despite limited resources, indigenous-language programs persevere in B.C.
by STEPHANIE WOOD <http://www.straight.com/users/stephanie-wood> on JAN 22,
2014 at 12:05 PM

“THE UNIVERSE WAS in darkness.”

And with a sudden burst of light, life formed.

According to Squamish hereditary chief Ian Campbell, this is a universal
story for many people around the world. For the Squamish people, it was a
box of light that Raven and Seagull opened “with the breath of life”.

Since this birth of their first ancestors, Campbell says, Squamish
mythology and history has emphasized a rhythm of flourishing, crashing, and
building up again, particularly the societal “crash” experienced with the
Great Flood following the most recent ice age.

In regards to language and culture, the chief argues that his people are in
a chapter of building up slowly again.

With only about 10 fluent speakers of Squamish (a Coast Salish language)
remaining—among many other endangered indigenous languages in British
Columbia—one can see that First Nations face immense challenges following
colonization. Some languages, like Halkomelem, have a couple of hundred
speakers but are still vulnerable to decline. Others, such as Penlatch from
Vancouver Island, already have no speakers.

“If you think about it,” Campbell explains, “colonization is just like a
modern flood.”

Access full article below:
http://www.straight.com/news/572066/despite-limited-resources-indigenous-language-programs-persevere-bc
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