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Our Language
At the beginning of the millennium, with only a handful of Tribal elders who could speak fluent Salish, we were in danger of losing our native language. In response, we have developed the Kalispel Language Program in an effort to reclaim and preserve our Salish Language, as well as create a new generation of native language speakers.
Our Language
Over the last several years, we have continued to strengthen and expand the program, and we are beginning to see our efforts pay off. Before, Salish was only spoken at cultural events, such as funerals, wakes, memorials, and gatherings, and it was only spoken by our elders. Now, you can hear it everywhere throughout the community. Through our Language efforts, a new generation of Salish speakers has given life to a part of our culture that was once in danger of extinction. We are doing our best to speak our language and teach everyday.
Throughout this path, we have made many friends and partners to help us along the way. With the help from Chris Parkin and the Salish School of Spokane, we have created a 6-level language acquisition path that is designed to take a person from “no-salish” to “pretty darn good” in 18 months. We have also developed many learning tools and Apps to supplement classroom instruction. Please visit the curriculum and language software pages to see what we have.
Northwest Profiles: Saving Salish – Language Revival
Our Language Staff
Todd Ellingburg
Immersion School Administrator/Teacher (Math)
(509) 447-7461
Kalispel Language Survival School (ANA Grant)
The Kalispel Tribe received an American Rescue Plan Grant in 2021. This grant is designed to create K-2 Mystery Science Curriculum for use in our K-5 Kalispel Language Immersion School (Snyoyoʔspuʔúsm). Melinda McCormick is the Curriculum Expert hired to comlete this project.