ʔəx̌ex̌sdənox̌ qənox̌ w̓ila Lik̓ʷala lax̌ənox̌ gigukʷa
Date
2026
Authors
Roberts, Dana
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Abstract
This project is about bringing Lik̓ʷala language back into the home as a natural everyday language. This work aims to normalize Lik̓ʷala in the home-domain through intergenerational learning and daily use, in ways that are respectful, loving and rooted in our ǧʷayilelas - our ways of knowing and being.
For our Kwakwakaʼwakw peoples, language is not only a means of communication; it is a vessel for teachings, it’s part of our identity and our ways of knowing and being. This project seeks to return our Lik̓ʷala language to the centre of the family life through home-domain based language learning, recognizing that language flourishes where relationships are strongest.
For this project I have created a guidebook for room domains and routines (i.e. Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, Food, and Table). The routines can be used in each room domain for
families to practice Lik̓ʷala together. I have also provided names for items related to each domain: these can be hung up on the items (e.g. a picture of a refrigerator; these are associated with QR Codes so the sounds and pronunciation can be heard). The ultimate goal is to use the guidebook by working with families on a weekly basis, practicing the room-domains and having families bring the resources home to practice throughout the week.
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Keywords
Lik̓ʷala language, intergenerational learning, ǧʷayilelas - our ways of knowing and being, Kwakwakaʼwakw people, family life