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Topic

Reaching Advanced Indigenous Language Proficiency: Innovative Strategies for Adult Learners

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Date & location

• Wednesday, April 23, 2025

• 1:00 P.M.

• Maclaurin Building, Room A250

• And Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Onowa McIvor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

• Dr. Tim Anderson, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UVic (Member)

• Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins, Department of Indigenous Education, UVic (Outside Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Marianne Ignace, Department of Linguistics, Simon Fraser University 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Carmen Rodriquez de France, Department of Indigenous Education, UVic 

Abstract

This dissertation explores strategies and supports for advanced Indigenous language learning. As first language speakers pass away, Indigenous communities increasingly depend on adults with high proficiency to carry their languages forward to future generations. Yet, there are very few studies, models, or other supports to guide adult Indigenous language learners towards and through advanced proficiency levels. This study was developed collaboratively with the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Sníchim Stewardship to support their work to reach advanced proficiency. It aimed to identify promising strategies for advanced Indigenous language learning through interviews with individual speakers who have already reached advanced proficiency in their Indigenous language, and participatory research with the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Sníchim Stewardship participants as they worked on advanced language learning.

The research findings are shared in an alternative dissertation format that includes a chapter detailing the history and features of Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh immersion learning; an article manuscript on strategies for advanced Indigenous language learning; a chapter exploring support factors and guiding principles that sustained the participants in their journeys to reach advanced proficiency; and a photobook to showcase the work of the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Sníchim Stewardship. This dissertation emphasizes the holistic and dynamic nature of language learning, and the necessary interplay between individual initiative and community-based approaches to Indigenous language revitalization. It includes practical insights and ideas for Indigenous language learners and identifies cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities between Indigenous Language Revitalization and Applied Linguistics for the mutual benefit of both fields.