Language Nest with T̓i Kʷu T̓i X̌ilx Association
Next (Nest) steps - the 2020 Plan
Ti Kʷu Ti Xilx Indigenous Association (TKI) was formed in October 2019 and partners with Syilx Language House. Together they deliver a nest for toddlers and in-house adult fluency program, following an immersion nest model created by the Salish School of Spokane. Within two years all staff will be fluent and will continue to study 10 hours a week, while becoming a licensed daycare. Currently the program operates as an "outdoor school" model. The kids (and their parents and staff) are learning to play, hike, cross country ski, toboggan, recognize plants, recognize environmental hazards, sing, and navigate the outdoors in N̓syilxčn̓.
A nest is a learning model created by Maoris and Hawaiians where a culturally based immersion environment is created for children. Ours is funded and informed by First Peoples Culture Council.
A nest is a learning model created by Maoris and Hawaiians where a culturally based immersion environment is created for children. Ours is funded and informed by First Peoples Culture Council.
Our team
Səxʷt̓ums Krista Lindley is a founder of TKI and a graduate of SLH. She lives at WFN with her husband and four children, is a member of OKIB and is a passionate language activist. She runs the language nest which delivers immersion to toddlers, including her son Sʔímlaʔxʷ, teaches in the adult fluency program, and records fluent Elders.
St̓aʔqʷálqs Hailey Causton is a founder of TKI and a graduate of SLH. She is a WFN member, a dancer, performer, passionate language activist, skilled teacher and Elder recorder, and mother of two boys, Kaʔsmíw̓t & Ksultíkn̓, who will grow up to be x̌słčawt, fluent speakers that know how to be outdoors.
Sʔímlaʔxʷ Michele Johnson PhD is Executive Director of SLH and coordinates TKI. She is a member of OKIB, related to Simlas and Richters with Suyápix (Euro) ancestry. She is certified nłəqʷčin (high-intermediate) by Sʕamtíc̓aʔ Peterson and Chris Parkin, Salish School of Spokane (Paul Creek). She spearheaded the "language house" model during her PhD in Indigenous language revitalization at UBC & post doctorate research at SFU. When not manifesting language, fundraising or tobogganing in N̓syilxčn̓ with toddlers she can be found hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and playing guitar.
St̓k̓masq̓t Skye Fay is descended from UNIB ancestors. She recently moved to Syilx territory to study language and partner with SLH and TKI adult and nest programs. She is a passionate language learner and skilled facilitator of nest immersion.
Skəkmxísaʔt Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker is an LSIB member and a passionate language activist. She is a great leader of outdoor immersion games with children.
Spəplína Stephanie Alexis is an OKIB member and a strong member of the language nest team, along with her son Pqlqin who loves to sing in N̓syilxčn̓.
Swʕaʔ Kylie Jack is a PIB member and a strong member of the language nest team. She met the team during their evening Nsyilxcn 1 class and jumped on board for the summer nest program. She will be leaving the team in September to become a lawyer. x̌ast aksčk̓ʷúl̓ Swʕaʔ.
St̓aʔqʷálqs Hailey Causton is a founder of TKI and a graduate of SLH. She is a WFN member, a dancer, performer, passionate language activist, skilled teacher and Elder recorder, and mother of two boys, Kaʔsmíw̓t & Ksultíkn̓, who will grow up to be x̌słčawt, fluent speakers that know how to be outdoors.
Sʔímlaʔxʷ Michele Johnson PhD is Executive Director of SLH and coordinates TKI. She is a member of OKIB, related to Simlas and Richters with Suyápix (Euro) ancestry. She is certified nłəqʷčin (high-intermediate) by Sʕamtíc̓aʔ Peterson and Chris Parkin, Salish School of Spokane (Paul Creek). She spearheaded the "language house" model during her PhD in Indigenous language revitalization at UBC & post doctorate research at SFU. When not manifesting language, fundraising or tobogganing in N̓syilxčn̓ with toddlers she can be found hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and playing guitar.
St̓k̓masq̓t Skye Fay is descended from UNIB ancestors. She recently moved to Syilx territory to study language and partner with SLH and TKI adult and nest programs. She is a passionate language learner and skilled facilitator of nest immersion.
Skəkmxísaʔt Sofia Terbasket-Funmaker is an LSIB member and a passionate language activist. She is a great leader of outdoor immersion games with children.
Spəplína Stephanie Alexis is an OKIB member and a strong member of the language nest team, along with her son Pqlqin who loves to sing in N̓syilxčn̓.
Swʕaʔ Kylie Jack is a PIB member and a strong member of the language nest team. She met the team during their evening Nsyilxcn 1 class and jumped on board for the summer nest program. She will be leaving the team in September to become a lawyer. x̌ast aksčk̓ʷúl̓ Swʕaʔ.
Board of Directors: