Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala Learning Resources

I am deeply committed to learning Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala and to its revitalization. My journey with Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala continues, shaped by the generosity of our speakers, Elders, teachers, and fellow learners who keep sharing their knowledge.

As a learner, mother, researcher, and community planner, I am interested in how language connects us to our lands, families, identities, and ways of being. My academic work explores the relationships between language learning, the body, healing, and community well-being. Alongside this work, I continue to learn through community relationships, land-based experiences, and my studies in the University of Victoria’s Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency program.

I share this page as a learner, with gratitude to those who have carried our language and made learning possible for future generations. Here you’ll find some of the resources I have created, alongside my go-to links to learning resources developed by community speakers and learners. I hope they offer encouragement and support wherever you are in your own journey.

Dzukwałas Gax̱a̱n- You Hold me up

Adapted from original book written by Monique Gray Smith, with Illustrations by Danielle Daniel. Kwak̓wala Version translated by Dr. Margaret Wilson and Jessica Barudin. Edited by Pewi Alfred. Narrated by Jessica Barudin

Listen to Book

Immersion Set

a̱wi'nakola Learning flashcards

Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala Land-based learning flashcards in U'mista orthography to learn the sounds of Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala / Kwak̓wala (the language of the Kwakwaka'wakw people).

Listen

Cards

Hi’lu’swa̱’łe’ Great Grandmother

Learning to tell "Hi’lu’swa̱’łe’ Great Grandmother" (Ch. 11) Ruby's Stories from T̓sit̓sa̱k̓ala̱mes Ruby: Ruby’s stories is a collection of 18 stories in Kwak’wala told by Ruby Dawson Cranmer

Listen