UBC Okanagan Celebrates Launch of Bachelor of Secwépemc Language Fluency Program

UBC Okanagan has celebrated a significant achievement with the introduction of its first cohort of Bachelor of Secwépemc Language Fluency students during a ceremony at Chief Atahm School in Chase, British Columbia. This milestone represents the completion of UBC Okanagan’s commitment to offering degrees in all four Interior Salish languages, which includes existing programs in Nsyilxcn, NłeɁkepmx, and St’át’imc languages.

The Bachelor of Secwépemc Language Fluency program aligns with UBC Okanagan’s commitment to Indigenous language revitalization and supports the initiatives outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The event saw participation from community members, educators, and government officials, including the Honourable Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Program Details and Community Impact

Students enrolled in this program will begin with two years of foundational studies at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) before completing their final two years at UBC Okanagan’s Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes immersion learning and community involvement, aiming to preserve and promote Secwépemc knowledge.

Minister Herbert acknowledged the importance of language revitalization efforts, stating, “Our government is committed to supporting First Nations leadership in language revitalization, and I raise my hands to all those who are working to support the revitalization of Secwepemctsín. Kukwstsétsemc to the Elders, teachers, and learners.”

Dr. Jeannette Armstrong, a Professor of Indigenous Studies at UBC Okanagan and a key architect of the language fluency framework, reflected on the significance of this program. She noted, “The Secwépemc language carries profound knowledge about relationships to the land, to community, and to ways of being for the Secwépemc people. This program doesn’t just teach language. It restores connections to people, to culture, to knowledge, and bridges generations.”

Collaboration and Future Goals

Dr. John Chenoweth, President of NVIT and a UBC Okanagan alumnus, expressed pride in the program’s establishment. He emphasized the collaborative efforts that have contributed to this success, stating, “This represents not just years of advocacy but, for some, a lifetime of work and vision coming to fruition. It is immensely meaningful and a concrete step to helping revitalize the languages that Indigenous communities across the BC interior hold dear.”

The Bachelor of Secwépemc Language Fluency was developed through a partnership involving the Indigenous Language Proficiency and Fluency Degree Framework, established between the First Nations Education Steering Committee, the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, and the Language Fluency Degree Consortium.

Tracey Bonneau, Chair of the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, praised the teamwork that brought the program to fruition. “The launch of this final Interior Salish language fluency degree is profound and exciting,” she remarked. “It shows what’s possible when Indigenous institutes, communities, and post-secondary institutions work together to honour Indigenous knowledge and meet the rigorous academic standards students deserve.”

First Nations Education Steering Committee President Tyrone McNeil highlighted the broader implications of these programs. He noted, “The Bachelor of Secwépemc Language Fluency represents the culmination of countless hours of passion and hard work. With all four Interior Salish language degrees now offered through NVIT and UBC Okanagan, we’ve become a centre for Indigenous language education and a model for institutions across Canada responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to support Indigenous language revitalization.”

The ceremony featured traditional welcome songs, speeches delivered in Secwepemctsín, and acknowledgements of the many partners that facilitated the program’s creation. The event underscored the importance of language revitalization in connecting generations, with contributions from students and Elders who have dedicated their lives to preserving the Secwépemc language.

Kúkpi7 Lynn Duckchief, Chief of the Adams Lake Indian Band, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of community engagement in language learning. “Key to the success of language fluency programs is fully connecting students into the communities that are home to the languages they learn,” she stated. “We rely on the time and profound generosity of Elders, community members, and language speakers to help students go beyond the classroom and experience Secwepemctsín as a beautiful, rich, and living language that’s essential to who we are.”

Graduates of the program will emerge as champions of Indigenous language, equipped to teach, develop curricula, and lead revitalization efforts within their communities. This program not only marks a significant step in preserving Indigenous languages but also fosters cultural pride and continuity for future generations.