ABOUT THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

Under the Community Services Department, the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation Language Department focuses on language education for W̱JOȽEȽP members, through various initiatives such as lessons, videos, workshops and more.

With the recent hiring of a Language Programs Manager, the new Department is well-positioned to advance several key strategic goals and priorities. The first focus is securing funding through applications to various grants and funding streams. Once funding is in place, the Department will begin work on the following initiatives: re-establishing language classes; expanding land-based programming through diverse approaches; creating more opportunities for youth engagement; gathering traditional stories to integrate throughout all aspects of the work; and supporting the development of W̱SÁNEĆ songs in collaboration with knowledge keepers and drummers as well as creating nontraditional songs for some of the borrowed holidays, and pride or honour songs. In the meantime, the Department will continue its SENĆOŦEN Word of the Day program, sharing daily words from SENĆOŦEN-based resources through social media.

CONTACT:

The Language Programs Manager is Joe Seward jr.

He can be reached at languagemanager@tsartlip.com or at Tsartlip health 250-652-4473 ext 237.

HÍSW̱ḴE / Thank you

INITIATIVES

505320290_739094415444781_920819016802031517_n

SENĆOŦEN language classes

For the summer months (June, July and August), the Language Department held SENĆOŦEN language classes with Joe ŦḴOȽEĆTEN on Wednesday afternoons in the Tsartlip Health Multipurpose room.

Currently, Joe is offering language classes to the community, one day per week and looking to expand in the near future. All levels of fluency and knowledge are welcome to come by and learn, share and grow together, creating a safe space to breathe life into our sacred language

If you have any questions, please reach out to Joe Seward jr. at languagemanager@tsartlip.com or at Tsartlip health 250-652-4473 ext 237

Youth Paddling Workshop Hosted by the Language Department

On September 9th, 2025, the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation Language Department held a paddling workshop for Saanich youth to learn about paddling, both off and on the water.

Participants primarily came from Tsartlip and Tseycum communities. For many, it was their first time paddling. Youth went on canoes in groups, encouraging an awareness of teamwork.

Joe Seward, paddler and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) Language Program Manager, led the workshop, focusing on the history and the cultural aspect of paddling. Joe aimed to empower youth, bring positive encouragement, and spark interest in paddling. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to build a deeper connection between themselves and the water, the spirituality and cultural beliefs. This is what brings the strength, cleansings, empowerment and for some, healing. This is a traditional sport that provides physical, spiritual and emotional strength, healing and balance.

Stay tuned for another Paddling Workshop coming soon.

Read the full article at the link below.

Read Article

SENĆOŦEN Language Videos

We’ve created a series of videos to share the pronunciation and spelling of many SENĆOŦEN words and phrases, spoken by Tsartlip members. You can find these videos on this page, our Youtube channel, and other social media. They are a quick, fun way to learn more SENĆOŦEN.