Language

The goal of the Kalispel Language Program is to protect and preserve the Kalispel language, as well as create a new generation of native language speakers. Our traditions and our language make the Kalispel people what we are today. The language ties us to the land, our neighbors and our past. As we set forth in our daily lives, we must remember to use our language to give us strength and identity in this ever-changing world.

Language acquisition and curriculum development are very important in our mission to retain our language.  There are three educators teaching the Kalispel language in the local school district (Cusick). Elementary grades (K-6) receive at least one hour of language education per week. At the middle school and high school levels, students have the option to take Kalispel I and Kalispel II classes, which offer daily language instruction.  Additionally, we offer a college-accredited (EWU) language class at our language center in the evenings.

We are creating the path for language fluency by returning our language to our everyday lives. In a effort to broaden the scope of our language program, we have created an online language listening and learning tool.  You must have Adobe Shockwave installed in order to use this tool.  Please click here to download Adobe Shockwave.  Once the download is finished, or if you already have Adobe Shockwave installed on your computer, click here to access the language tool.

If you would like any more information about our language efforts or have any questions, please call JR Bluff at (509) 445-1147 ext 7294.