Language Nest with T̓i Kʷu T̓i X̌ilx Association
Language nest - immersion domains
Our first full-time immersion domain was formed in October 2019 in partnership with Ti Kʷu Ti Xilx Indigenous Association (TKTX). The nest was a domain of language for new speakers (staff, including moms) and toddlers, following an immersion nest model created by the Salish School of Spokane. The program operated as an outdoor immersion program for children until November 2020, at which time it became an in home program due to Covid-19. SLH and TKTX staff studied adult language 10 hours a week while working towards becoming a licensed daycare. Kids, parents and staff learned to play, hike, cross country ski, toboggan, recognize plants, become comfortable in the outdoor environment, 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. SLH and TKTX are funded 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. SLH and TKTX are funded by First Peoples Culture Council.
TKTX team
Səxʷt̓ums Krista Lindley is a graduate of SLH and a founder of TKTX. 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.
St̓aʔqʷálqs Hailey Causton is a graduate of SLH and a founder of TKTX. She is a WFN member, a dancer, performer, passionate language activist, skilled teacher and Elder recorder, and mother of two boys, Kaʔsmíw̓t, Ksultíkn̓, and N̓x̌aʔsíls, who will grow up to be x̌słčawt, kind, culturally grounded fluent speakers.
Sʔím̓laʔxʷ Michele Johnson PhD is Executive Director of SLH and supports TKTX through fundraising and planning. She is a member of OKIB, related to Simlas and Richters with Syilx and Suyápix (Euro) ancestry. She spearheaded the "language house" model.
St̓k̓masq̓t Skye Fay is descended from UNIB ancestors. She moved to Syilx territory last year to study language full time with SLH and partner with TKTX nest programs. She is a passionate language learner, excellent tutor, and skilled facilitator of in home immersion.
Kʷkʷlal Deana Rae Cohen is a fully certified ECE who brings kindness and compassion training for toddlers to the nest environment.
Səxʷʕay̓n̓čút Alexis Tom is an ECEA in training, a language learner and is wonderful with children.
Former staff:
Spəplína Stephanie Alexis is an OKIB member and a former member of the language nest team, along with her son Pqlqin who loves to sing in N̓syilxčn̓.
St̓aʔqʷálqs Hailey Causton is a graduate of SLH and a founder of TKTX. She is a WFN member, a dancer, performer, passionate language activist, skilled teacher and Elder recorder, and mother of two boys, Kaʔsmíw̓t, Ksultíkn̓, and N̓x̌aʔsíls, who will grow up to be x̌słčawt, kind, culturally grounded fluent speakers.
Sʔím̓laʔxʷ Michele Johnson PhD is Executive Director of SLH and supports TKTX through fundraising and planning. She is a member of OKIB, related to Simlas and Richters with Syilx and Suyápix (Euro) ancestry. She spearheaded the "language house" model.
St̓k̓masq̓t Skye Fay is descended from UNIB ancestors. She moved to Syilx territory last year to study language full time with SLH and partner with TKTX nest programs. She is a passionate language learner, excellent tutor, and skilled facilitator of in home immersion.
Kʷkʷlal Deana Rae Cohen is a fully certified ECE who brings kindness and compassion training for toddlers to the nest environment.
Səxʷʕay̓n̓čút Alexis Tom is an ECEA in training, a language learner and is wonderful with children.
Former staff:
Spəplína Stephanie Alexis is an OKIB member and a former member of the language nest team, along with her son Pqlqin who loves to sing in N̓syilxčn̓.
Board of Directors: