Departments
Culture & Language
Culture & Language Department
Gitxaała Culture and Language department supports the learning and passing on of the Sm’algyax language and Gitxaała arts, cultural knowledge, and practices.
Ongoing community programs include language lessons, cultural workshops, and the creation of regalia. The department also facilitates recording of Sm’algyax and development of language curriculum and the repatriation of Gitxaała belongings and historical materials.
Director of Education & Culture: Debbie Stava
dec@gitxaalanation.com
Language & Culture Manager: Dustin Johnson
culture@gitxaalanation.com
Cultural Coordinator: Warren Nelson
drums@gitxaalanation.com
Coordinates Gitxaała Drum and Dance Group practices
Language Coordinator: Leona Peardon
language@gitxaalanation.com
250-848-2100
Coordinates Gitxaała Sm’algyax classes and language programs
Advisors and Partners:
The Gitxaała Language Authority provide ongoing guidance on Sm’algyax resource creation:
Annabelle Hill, Margaret Hill, Jeanette Moody, Rita Robinson, Ernie Bolton, Mathew Hill
Translation experts: Beatrice Robinson, Ben Spencer, Cecil Hill, Matthew Hill
Susan Marsden, Director of the Museum of Northern BC
Sm’algyax Resources
Current Projects
Sm’algyax Resource Development
Through a First Peoples’ Cultural Council “Pathways to Language Vitality” grant, the community language handbook will be expanded, and other resources created.
Sm’algyax Recording and Digitization
A “Language and Technology Grant” from FPCC is funding the creation of a Gitxaała First Voices website (link required), and a community language archive. We are locating and digitizing all existing language resources including a historical dictionary from the 1881, Sm’algyax narratives from 1916, and audio recordings from the 1960 and 1970s.
Repatriation Initiative
A Museum Assistance Program grant from Heritage Canada supports community-based research and travel to museums to promote the return of Gitxaała belongings.
Virtual Museum and Repatriation Database
A Museum Assistance Program grant from Heritage Canada is helping the Nation to create a repatriation database to support research on cultural belongings held in external museums. A virtual museum will celebrate all the Gitxaała objects held in community collections and those held in museums throughout the world, awaiting physical return.
Our Virtual Museum is now live! Visit gitxaalamuseum.com to see more.
Regalia Project
A grant from the First Nations Wellbeing Fund supports ongoing regalia workshops in the village and in Prince Rupert.