Tla’amin Government Adopts 5-Year ʔayʔaǰuθəm Language Revitalization Plan
October 1st, 2025
t̓išosəm — On September 3, Tla’amin Executive Council passed a motion to formally adopt the 2025–2030 ʔayʔaǰuθəm Revitalization Strategy. This five-year plan sets a clear path for keeping ʔayʔaǰuθəm—the language that carries our teachings, stories, and identity—visible and present in every part of community life.
The plan is dedicated to Tla’amin Elders and to the late Brianne Louie, who served as Language Coordinator, and to all those who worked tirelessly to protect our language and keep it alive for future generations.
“Our goal is to keep ʔayʔaǰuθəm visible and present in every part of community life—from our homes and schools to our governance and public spaces,” said Hegus John Hackett. “When we use our language daily, we honour our ancestors’ sacrifices to keep the language alive and we ensure the next generation has the chance to know our way of life.”
The strategy builds on decades of language work and community strength. It commits Tla’amin to expanding immersion programs for children and adults, training new teachers, embedding the language in daily life, and working closely with our Sister Nations of Homalco, Klahoose, and K’ómoks.
Executive Councillor Brandon Louie, who holds the language and culture portfolio, described the plan as “rebuilding the visible connections between our people and ʔayʔaǰuθəm, ensuring that no one is left stranded. We are publishing this strategy to transparently share our efforts at revitalization, we feel this is a plan every Tla’amin person can see themselves in.”
čɛčɛhaθɛč to our Elders, teachers, and citizens who continue to lift up our language.
To view the Tla’amin dictionary on First Voices please visit: https://www.firstvoices.com/tlaamin/
Backgrounder – ʔayʔaǰuθəm Revitalization Strategy Goals (2025–2030):
- Preserve and Expand the ʔayʔaǰuθəm Database – Grow the FirstVoices archive to 22,000 entries, ensuring on-demand learning.
- Strengthen Immersion Programs – Expand qaymɩχʷqɛnəmšt for children, grow adult immersion with UVIC, and support “silent speakers.”
- Train and Support Teachers – Certify new Tla’amin language teachers and grow capacity through master-apprentice learning.
- Embed ʔayʔaǰuθəm in Daily Life – Use the language in governance, signage, digital tools, and community gatherings.
- Collaborate with Sister Nations – Share resources and develop seasonal curricula with Homalco, Klahoose, and K’ómoks.