Language Commission Nominations Now Open
- January 4, 2022
The Language Commission is seeking Nominations for Commissioners
On July 8, 2021, Squamish Nation Council approved the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim Policy, Squamish Language Policy. After consultation with the community, a few amendments were made to the Language Policy in December 2021.
One critical component of the Policy is the Language Commission, which will provide a voice for the community by providing guidance on language programming that will impact future generations of speakers. We invite you to nominate up to nine Squamish Nation members to help guide the sacred work of the Language Commission.
What is the Language Commission?
The Language Commission will provide a voice for the community and guidance on language programming that will impact future generations of speakers.
Can I join the Commission?
Commissioners should have some mix of an understanding of language policy, experience with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim planning in family and community contexts, an academic background in language, high levels of connectivity with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim and community initiatives, and/or high level of proficiency in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim.
We invite you to nominate Squamish Nation Members to help guide the sacred work of the Language Commission. Download an information sheet and nomination form here.
Deadline for nominations is January 31, 2022.
More about the Language Commission
Role and Responsibilities of the Language Commission
The role of the Language Commission includes:
● promoting the health and well-being of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim
● protecting, preserving, and revitalising the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim
● overseeing Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim education
● encouraging the use of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim
The Language Commission will:
● prepare an Official Language Strategy
● oversee, monitor, guide and implement the Official Language Strategy
● work towards making Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim an official language of the Squamish Nation
● grant proficiency certificates to speakers and teachers and approve guidelines, exams, and certified examiners for oral proficiency, translator, and teacher certification
● advise Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim programs
● approve official signage in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim on territorial land
● create or approve new words to add to the official lexicon
● recommend a standardization of the written Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim
Commissioners will:
● Attend all meetings when possible and participate in all meetings by being prepared for meetings and being ready to contribute to the deliberations
● Participate on sub-committees when necessary
Criteria of Commissioners
Up to five (5) Commissioners will be recommended to Council. Commissioners should match any of the following criteria:
● have an understanding of language policy
● have experience with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim planning in family and community contexts
● have an academic background in sociolinguistics and language planning
● have high levels of connectivity with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim and community initiatives
● have high level of proficiency in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim
To submit your nomination form, or to request a copy of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim policy,
please email: language_culture@squamish.net
