June 25th, 2016

Congratulations to sixteen students and teachers for achievement of the FIRST YEAR of language classes. It has been a phenomenal year, the first of four. 400 hours down, 1,200 to go! Thank you to Elders, community, and leadership for supporting our journey. The Elders who heard the students are proud, and we know the ancestors would be too. Students gave presentations on the life cycles of tmixʷ, animals, birds and insects. We can't thank enough the supporters and families ... Salish School of Spokane, Paul Creek, Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Westbank First Nation, Okanagan Indian Band, Okanagan Nation Alliance, Simon Fraser University,First Peoples' Cultural Council. Thank you MP Dick Cannings for representing the Federal Government. It has been a week with losses and deep sadness in Syilx community and our graduation day this week was a glimmer of happiness reflected by the lived experience of decolonizing healing through language. Chief John Kruger said "keep going!" Watch out for the class of 2020 ... The 2020 plan and 2030 plan are underway ... limləmt p isnəqsílxʷ. iʔ nqilxʷcntət iʔ mrimstntət.