As a partner, CIS supports the Musqueam Language and Culture (MLC) department to develop educational hən̓q̓əmin̓əm resources.
Housed within the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB), the Musqueam Language and Culture (MLC) department works to advance the development and use of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm language. The MLC was created in 2000 following the initial partnership between the Musqueam and UBC First Nations and Endangered Languages (FNEL) in 1997.
As a department under the Musqueam administration, the MLC offers services and programming to support Musqueam people who want to speak their ancestral language among their communities. The MLC also works with cultural and educational partners—like CIS—to create opportunities for language engagement and expand available hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ resources.
Partnership with FNEL
Through the FNEL program, CIS supports the MLC through collaborative research initiatives and the creation of educational hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ resources.
Since the start of our partnership, we’ve helped produce several formal research papers, a series of elementary resource books, and a full set of text and interactive online materials that support various levels of post-secondary hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language courses.
Educational multimedia resources
Working with the MLC, we use technology to engage learners and offer different modes of learning. These resources have been used in workshops, youth programs like summer camps and preschool classes, and other environments for encouraging language revitalization.
The children’s books feature artwork and audio recordings made by Musqueam community members and represent a variety of contemporary and historical themes.
The interactive map features place names within Musqueam territory, which are additionally represented through archival photographs and voice recordings.
We've also worked with the MLC to contribute to the development of the teaching kit called Musqueam: giving information about our teachings.