Explore the Kwak’wala language with Indigenous ways of knowing and being in introductory and immersion settings.
Originally developed as part of NIC’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, NIC’s Kwak’wala courses have expanded from an initial offering in Port Hardy to being offered across the region and online.
Kwak’wala courses focus on the basic conversation, structure and pronunciation of Kwak’wala in a setting focused on listening and speaking. Topics include greetings, social interactions, community and more.
Students will also learn about the vital role of the language to Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw First Nation members and develop strategies to support learning their Indigenous languages.
Kwak’wala courses
NIC offers courses in both Kwak’wala and in the Likʷala /Kwak’wala dialect based on immersive learning and listening techniques. Note: some NIC language courses are taught in different dialects. See the section details in the timetable for details.
Register in Kwak’wala Courses
Before you can register in a course, you must be accepted into an NIC program. You can study Kwak’wala through the following programs, or as an elective from any NIC program:
Meet the Faculty
Sara Child
Facilitator, Faculty, Researcher
Adult Basic Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, Indigenous Education
Masters of Education Indigenous Language Revitalization (University of Victoria, 2017)
Bachelor of Education (Simon Fraser University,1991)
Subjects: Early Childhood Education, English, Human Service Worker, Indigenous Language Fluency, Kwak'wala Language
June Johnson
