FPCC Summer Learning Series

The hul’q’umi’num’ phrase ‘huncewstuxw tu xe’ xe’ sqwel’ was generously provided by Snuneymuxw First Nation and translates to bringing back the sacred language. The first word ‘huncewstuxw’ holds additional context in hul’q’umi’num’ which signifies “bringing something important or sacred down from the mountain that was stored there”. 

huncewstuxw tu xe’ xe’ sqwel ‘Bringing Back the Sacred Language’ is for B.C. First Nations Individuals age 20–45 who want to learn and gain practical skills to implement or strengthen language revitalization projects in their communities.

We aim to support:

• Youth and young adults interested in language revitalization (number of seats reserved for youth applicants)
• First Nations people who are actively engaged in revitalizing their language
• Language learners
• Language immersion teachers and student teachers
• Early childhood immersion educators
• People working in language administration or part of a project team
• People working to develop plans for Indigenous language revitalization
• The next generation of language leaders looking to build their skillset

Participants can choose one of five themes based on their interests and goals in language revitalization. Each theme will be composed of multiple workshops that will build on cohesive topics for the week of attendance. The five themes are:

Immersion

• Immersion is an effective language revitalization approach that is used to learn a language without the use of English. This theme will share immersion practices for different age groups and for use in different settings.

Where Are Your Keys (WAYK)

• The WAYK system is a specific approach to immersion language learning in a group setting. The WAYK workshop is available for attendees who have an intermediate level of proficiency, such as being able to hold a basic conversation in the language.
  
• Special Consideration: The WAYK workshop will be available for attendees who demonstrate the experience needed for this model of learning. Attendees approved for this session will attend only the WAYK workshop for the entirety of this event; no other workshop topics will be covered in this theme.

• Read more about the WAYK system by clicking here!

Technology

• The technology theme will include workshops on technology tools and practices that support language revitalization work. Topics will include tools such as FirstVoices and practices in digitizing language materials.

A laptop is required to participate in this theme.

Documentation

• Documentation is the practice of making records of your language that can be used for language learning resources in future. In these sessions, you will gain skills to gather all kinds of language from speakers, make good recordings, and keep those recordings safe for the future.

A laptop is required to participate in this theme.

Planning

• This theme will share how to develop comprehensive, long-term plans for the revitalization and strengthening of the language. Language plans are intended to capture the community’s vision for the future of their language and set the strategic direction for their revitalization efforts.

Learn more about each theme on the application guidelines.

• B.C. First Nations individuals aged 20-45
• Working with one of the 34 B.C. First Nations languages, view the list of languages here.
• From an established B.C. First Nation (status and non-status individuals living on or off-reserve are welcome to apply)
• Involved in community language revitalization projects

Guidelines:

• Please review the program guidelines linked in the button above
• Individuals must submit a complete application by May 23, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. PST
• Organizations cannot submit an application on an individual’s behalf
• Applications are not transferable

• Read the application information and guidelines.
• Sign up or log in to the FPCC Grant Portal to view the application: www.fpcc.ca/login
• Select Language Grants and look for Summer Learning Series
• Review the guidelines and submit your application
• Contact FPCC staff if you have any questions about the application or learning themes: Tasia Harris at tasia@fpcc.ca

Two-step application process (application & registration)

• Step 1: Submit an application to indicate your interest
• Step 2: Successful applicants will be invited to register for the event ($200
  registration fee applicable)

For information on how to create a new profile and login to our grant page, click here.

How to navigate FPCC Grant Portal

• Theme-based workshops, paid travel, accommodation and meals 
• An opportunity to gather and connect with like-minded people working in language revitalization from across B.C.
• A chance to meet some of the most esteemed Indigenous language revitalization experts from B.C. and around the world
• Throughout the week you will have an opportunity to learn from a keynote speaker and a language revitalization panel discussion
• Participants will spend the duration of this series in beautiful Snuneymuxw territory with lots of time to explore the city, shop our Indigenous vendor market or catch some entertainment!

Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo) B.C.

Accommodation: Nanaimo Courtyard by Marriott, 100 Gordon Street, Nanaimo B.C.

• FPCC will cover all accommodation costs for registered attendees for the duration of the Series.

Transportation: Delegates are responsible for booking their own travel arrangements to get to Nanaimo

• FPCC will cover all travel and meal costs associated with attending this event.
• Delegates will arrange a travel advance with FPCC to provide travel funds in advance.

FPCC prioritizes the health and wellness of our event participants. There will be first aid attendants, Elders and mental health practitioners present and available to participants so they can prioritize their cultural, mental and physical health

COVID-19 Guidelines