North Island College will offer two Nuu-chah-nulth language courses at its Port Alberni campus this year.
The introductory courses are tuition-free, with the first course starting this September.
Nuu-chah-nulth 096 (NCN-096) focuses on developing listening techniques and learning words, phrases and greetings to communicate in the home, the classroom and with elders. Students will learn sound patterns and word pronunciations for conversational Nuu-chah-nulth.
It runs Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., providing students with the opportunity to study the language part time.
“There is a lot of interest in learning the language,” said NIC Elder-in-Residence Jane Jones. “Our hope is that this course will allow more students to explore the language and the connection to culture.”
NIC will also be offering a follow-up course, Nuu-chah-nulth 097 (NCN-097), which builds on the foundations of the first course.
The courses are open to anyone who wants to improve their understanding of the language and culture.
“Learning Nuu-chah-nulth is not just about learning the language,” said Jones. “Something happens inside people once they realize the freedom to speak their language openly.”
These are NIC’s second Indigenous language courses. NIC offers Kwak’wala I and II (KWA-096 and KWA-097) at its Mt. Waddington regional campus in Port Hardy.
“Language is an integral part of culture,” said Kelly Shopland, NIC’s director of Aboriginal Education. “It’s been a privilege to work with our partners to make this language training available to the community.”
Nuu-chah-nulth 096 is open for registration this fall through NIC’s Adult Basic Education program.
For more information, visit www.nic.bc.ca/aboriginal-education/aboriginal-curriculum/.