Prior to settler contact in what is now known as Canada, Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions were deeply rooted and widely practiced. To recover from the impacts of colonial violence and language suppression, we aim to disrupt the everyday use of English by spotlighting both verbal and signed Indigenous languages. This project supports the vitalization of Halq’eméylem through accessible, community-informed resources for educators, students, and community members.
This Stó꞉lō-led, university-supported initiative highlights Halq’eméylem place names, many of which remain mispronounced or absent in public and educational spaces. These names carry histories, teachings, and relationships to the land, and their vitalization supports cultural celebration, recognition, respect, and cultural safety.
The project will produce short educational videos featuring Stó꞉lō youth demonstrating correct pronunciation alongside Indigenous Sign Language (ISL), taught collaboratively with a Halq’eméylem teacher and ISL expert. Unlike ASL, Stó꞉lō ISL reflects place names and land-based relationships without relying on English, making this approach both unique and culturally grounded. Additionally, a local Sto:lo artist has created a design for advertising and wearable art that captures the spirit of this work.
A few videos will be launched at a community knowledge-sharing event at the THE’I:TSLIYA Health and Community Centre (SAY Building) on Skowkale First Nation, bringing together community members, youth, UFV, and regional partners. Guided by Indigenous research methodologies and participatory approaches, the project emphasizes community governance, co-creation, and alignment with Stó꞉lō protocols while complementing existing initiatives such as Rooted Waters by Dr. Albert ‘Sonny’ McHalsie.
Location:
SAY Building
7256 Chilliwack River Road
Chilliwack., BC, V2R 4L9
https://www.saylandsoffice.ca/
Please RSVP using this registration link or by scanning the QR Code.
Event Location
Map UnavailableWhat’s in A Place Name? A Gathering of Languages, Lands, and Learnings
Date(s): Thursday, June 4Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Event Categories
- UFV Now Enews
- UFV Events Calendar
- Theatre
- Teaching and Learning
- South Asian Studies Institute
- School of Creative Arts
- Research and Graduate Studies
- Political Science
- Peace & Conflict Studies
- International
- Information Technology Services
- Indigenous UFV
- Indigenous Student Centre
- Indigenous Affairs
- Human Resources
- Finance
- FECHD
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Information Systems
- Chemistry
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability
- Biology
- Faculty of Science
- Teacher Education
- School of Social Work & Human Services
- School of Business
- Library & Information Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Child and Youth Care
- Aviation
- Applied Business Technology
- Adult Education
- Faculty of Professional Studies
- Licensed Practical Nursing
- Kinesiology & Physical Education
- Health Care Assistant
- Dental Assistant
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Education Community and Human Development
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Business and Computing
- Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies (Trades)
- Faculty of Access and Continuing Education
- Faculty and Staff Association FSA
- English and Creative Writing
- Donors and friends
- Continuing Education
- Social Culture and Media Studies
- School of Social Justice and Global Stewardship
- School of Creative Arts
- Psychology
- Philosophy and Political Science
- Modern Languages
- History
- Graphic and Digital Design
- Geography
- Fine Arts
- English and Creative Writing
- Economics
- Criminology & Criminal justice
- Communication
- College of Arts
- Changemaking
- Athletics (Cascades)
- *_UFV Events
- Advising
- Agriculture Centre of Excellence
- and Human Development