The Ktunaxa language carries more than words. It carries place, memory, humour, history, and responsibility. This spring, a new Introductory Ktunaxa Online Language Course invites learners in Fernie and beyond to slow down, listen closely, and begin building a relationship with the Ktunaxa language—one rooted in respect, community, and the Land itself.
Running over 12 weeks from late February to May, this foundational course is guided by Alfred Joseph, a highly respected Ktunaxa Elder and former chief of the ʔakisq̓nuk Nation, alongside Mara Nelson, a Ktunaxa educator deeply connected to land, water, and lineage. Together, they offer more than instruction—they offer lived knowledge, patience, and a welcoming space for learners at the very beginning of their journey.
Participants will explore the sounds and structure of the Ktunaxa language, while also learning the cultural and historical context that gives those words meaning. The goal isn’t fluency overnight. It’s something quieter and more lasting: building skills that allow the language to be carried forward—into classrooms, families, communities, and everyday life.
Importantly, the course is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. For those who are non-Indigenous, the program encourages reflection on what it means to learn an Indigenous language respectfully and responsibly—an essential part of meaningful language revitalization.
The sessions take place live on Zoom on Monday evenings, with recordings available for those who can’t attend every class. Indigenous participants can attend for free, while registration fees help ensure instructors are fairly compensated and future learning opportunities remain accessible.
In a time when reconciliation is often talked about in broad terms, this course offers something tangible: the chance to listen, learn, and participate in keeping an ancient language alive—one word at a time.
Course snapshot:
• February 23 – May 11
• Mondays at 7pm MT (6pm PT)
• 12 x 1.5-hour online sessions (recorded)
• Certificate of attendance provided
For those curious about language, culture, and what it truly means to learn from the Land, this spring course is an open door. REGISTER HERE.
