Tŝilhqot’in Language
The Tŝilhqot’in language and culture have persisted through Canada’s dark history of the Residential School System and colonization. To understand the Tŝilhqot’in language is to understand the people. Our language is how we understand the nen (lands, water & resources). For many of our people, English is a second language and some of our Elders have only ever known the Tŝilhqot’in language. Efforts to revitalize the language are continuing and growing through such projects as the Tŝilhqot’in Community Radio and recognition of original place names in our territory.
Language Resources:
- Dictionary/translation
- Tŝilhqot’in Introduction (How To)
- Common Tŝilhqot’in greetings
- Tŝilhqot’in Alphabet
- Apps and games for learning Tŝilhqot’in
Speakers
The Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) are also known as ‘People of the River,’ as salmon was their main food source. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation are located in the Cariboo Chilcotin central interior with a population of over 4,000.
The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is rich in their language, culture, and traditions. The percentage of Tŝilhqot’in language speakers is shown in the graphic below.
