An initiative to incorporate Nsyilxcn names onto street signs at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus has empowered two generations of Syilx Okanagan women to reconnect with their heritage and assert their cultural identity. UBCO has been integrating the language of the Syilx Okanagan Nation into its campus street names for over a decade, offering interpretations of names such as Alumni Avenue and University Way. Nsyilxcn represents the native language of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose traditional territory encompasses UBCO’s campus.
Recently, Syilx Okanagan woman Llana Teichroeb and her daughter Kim Kosick created an online pronunciation guide featuring recordings of themselves enunciating various street names. The guide is now accessible through QR codes attached to the signposts. Teichroeb and Kosick aim to contribute to reconciliation efforts through their project, with Teichroeb personally finding solace in reclaiming a language that was forcibly taken away from residential school survivors like her grandmother.
For Teichroeb, embracing her ancestral language meant relearning speech patterns and adopting a fresh mindset, as English was the primary language for both her and her daughter. Kosick encouraged her mother to take the language course together, particularly as it transitioned online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their voices can now be heard pronouncing the Nsyilxcn names for University Avenue and Alumni Avenue via the QR codes, offering a tangible way for students to engage with the language.
The project extended beyond the mother-daughter duo, as Kosick’s two daughters, born during the degree program, were exposed to Nsyilxcn in their early years. When Kosick and Teichroeb graduated, Kosick’s children joined them on stage, symbolizing a multigenerational commitment to the language revitalization efforts. Christine Schreyer, the professor overseeing the project, envisions expanding the QR codes to include additional words beyond street names, such as bathroom and library.
The introduction of Nsyilxcn language courses at UBCO has been complemented by offerings in other Interior Salish languages like NłeɁkepmx and St’át’imc. Schreyer’s collaborative approach with students has led to the creation of podcasts focusing on language revitalization, with plans to share them in the future. The QR codes serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the Nsyilxcn language and its connection to the land.
In conclusion, the ongoing integration of Nsyilxcn names at UBC Okanagan signifies a significant step towards cultural revitalization and reconciliation, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the university community and beyond.
