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 is what makes the Kalispel people what we are today. The language ties us to the land, our relations, 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.  In a effort to return our language to our everyday lives, we have created several online language listening and learning tools.

In 2008, Our language program received an ANA Planning grant. As you may recall, we sent these questionaires out to the membership and community to get their input on what they would like see from the language program. These surveys were used to formulate Goals and Objectives for the program. If you would like to read our Language Goals and Objectives, click here.

Here is a short video made by KSPS about our language efforts. To watch it, Click here.

Current Language Activities 

Cusick Elementary (Grades 1-6)

This year the Cusick Elementary kids will receive approximately 5 hours of language instruction per week. This will be the first year in which we implement our Elementary Immersion Language program at the Cusick School. We are very excited for the upcoming year and look forward to another successful partnership with the Cusick School. At this time, we have approximately 10 students registered for class. Because this class is outside of the regular scheduling, parent approval is required. The six elementary grades are split into three groups (grades 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6). Christina Hardwick it the lead instructor teacher for the Elementary Immersion Language Classes.

Cusick JH and HS

There are a total of 9 JH/HS students enrolled in the Kalispel language classes at the Cusick school. There are 3 students enrolled in the Kalispel II class and 5 enrolled in the JH/HS Salish II class. We also have 1 student enrolled in the advanced salish class. All of these students receive 5 hours of language instruction per week. Vickie Leach is the lead teacher for all of the JH/HS language classes.

Evening Adult Class

At this time we are not going to have the adult evening class. If someone is interested in learning the language they can contact JR Bluff or Jessie Fountain. In the meantime, we have the Kalispel I curriculum and the Kalispel Story I curriculum online and ready for you. 

Language Nest Parent/Teacher Class

This parent/teacher class is currently taking place from 1pm - 3pm down in the CELC (wellness). We have 6 teachers signed up for the class. They are Todd, Sarah, Michelle, Deb, Cheryl, and Brianna. The class is going well and we plan on being completed by Thanksgiving. If there are any other Kalispel Tribal employees interested in taking the class, please talk to your immediate supervisor and contact JR Bluff or Jessie Fountain to get registered. We expect our next class to be in Jan-Feb. JR Bluff will be the lead teacher for this class.

ANA Grant - Kalispel Language Nest

The Kalispel Tribe recently received an ANA Grant for a Language Nest to be located in the Camas Early Learning Center. We currently have 9 adult students enrolled in our first ever Language Intensive. These students receive intense language instructon for one year and will later staff the new language nest. This class meets daily (M-F) for 5 hours a day. Jessie Fountain is the lead instructor for this class.