Building blocks for developing a Hən̓q̓əmín̓əm̓ language nest program for the Katzie Early Years Centre

As a First Nations woman and community member of the q̓ícəy̓ (Katzie) First Nation, I have always had an interest in the language of my ancestors – Hən̓q̓əmín̓əm̓, the Downriver dialect of the Halkomelem language, a Coast Salish language that has no first language speakers left. My interest in the language stems from my childhood, as I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in classes that exposed me to the language. The purpose of this project is to not only enhance my own knowledge but to also create framework for what will hopefully be used for a language nest program for the Katzie Early Years Centre. The idea is to provide a safe environment for the children to interact and engage in the language through meaningful activities. This research will ultimately be utilized for the Katzie First Nation head start and preschool programs on Katzie I.R. No. 1.