We honour our ni’nog̱ad, and ni’nox̱sola, our treasured Musǥa̱makw Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w wise ones that guide our work at Nawalakw and who give of themselves selflessly and support our programs including the language and culture camps, language programs as Kwak’wala teachers and mentors in our culture. We are grateful for each of them.

‘Widzolaxa̱n’s ḵa̱n’s k̕iyos lax̱a̱n’s sasa̱me’
Where would we be without our children?

Our Bak̕wa̱mk̕ala Language Nest Pilot Project, launched in partnership with the A̱mlilas Childcare Centre in ̓Ya̱lis (Alert Bay), creates a dedicated space where our youngest learners can grow up surrounded by language, culture, and community. Designed for our ga̱nga̱nana̱m (23–36 months), the program provides full immersion in Bak̕wa̱mk̕ala throughout the week. Guided by Nawalakw staff and supported by our respected elders, children engage with the language in natural, everyday ways—through play, routines, storytelling, song, and movement. This immersive approach helps build early fluency while strengthening identity and belonging.

A key part of the program’s success is the involvement of families. Parents have committed to learning Bak̕wa̱mk̕ala each week through community-based classes, ensuring that children have meaningful opportunities to hear and speak the language both at home and in community spaces. This shared commitment creates a strong, supportive environment for language revitalization.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead – Kwak̕wala Full Immersion Transition Plan

Since September 2025, our Language Nest Pilot Project has grown into something truly powerful—laying a strong foundation for the next phase of language revitalization in our community.

We are building toward a fully immersive future for our children and families:

• • Full Kwak̕wala Immersion at A̱mlilas (by September 2026):
    From arrival to pick-up, children will be immersed entirely in Kwak̕wala, creating a consistent and meaningful language environment throughout the day.
  • Expansion into Tłisa̱lagi’lakw School:
    Our immersion programming will extend into the school system, supporting continued language learning beyond early childhood.
  • A Seamless Path into Elementary Immersion:
    Children will have a clear and supported transition from the Language Nest into elementary-level immersion, ensuring continuity in their language journey.

Our Vision

We are committed to revitalizing Bak̕wa̱mk̕ala / Kwak̕wala by nurturing strong, confident, and connected children through:

• • Intergenerational learning that builds fluency from an early age
  • Land-based experiences (A̱wi’nakola — land, water, air) that deepen connection to the natural world
  • Culture, song, and dance that strengthen identity, belonging, and pride
  • Clear language pathways that support children in becoming fluent speakers rooted in their ancestry
  • Healing through reconnection with language, culture, and traditions

Looking Ahead

This transition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring our children grow up hearing, speaking, and living Kwak̕wala every day—at home, in school, and in community.

Note: The Kindergarten preschool program (2026–2027) will remain non-immersion unless there is strong community interest in expanding immersion at that level.

Download full details here: 2026 Language Nest Full Immersion Transition

We are all on this kwak̓wala journey together. Our goal is kwak̓wala fluency across all generations. As we work to increase our proficiency and strive for fluency, we will continue to connect with language speakers, programs, projects, and activities within our territories and lead by our people. Here are a few to explore.

First Peoples’ Cultural Council

The mandate of FPCC is to assist B.C. First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their languages, arts, cultures and heritage. FPCC provides language, culture, and arts funding through a variety of process each year.

FPCC is committed to providing communities with a high level of support and resources. Our cultural heritage and the living expression of our identities, is integral to the health of all members of our Indigenous communities, as well as to the well-being of all British Columbians.