A new generation embraces a First Nation language that was nearly extinguished – Times Colonist

More than 50 years ago, community leaders formed the Saanich Indian School Board, now the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board

Tsartlip councillor Curtis Olsen says he’s amazed — and a little bit jealous — when he sees his nation’s youth learning and speaking the language of the W̱SÁNEĆ people.

Children attending ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School on Tsartlip reserve near Brentwood Bay begin their school day in the gym with prayer and singing of songs in SENĆOŦEN.

The kindergarteners came up with a song about rainbows in SENĆOŦEN and shared it with the whole school, said elementary principal SI,OLTENOT Madeline Bartleman.