‘amú’ tawpach ponolqala pi chaa’am’cha patóowalap avá

Many years have gone by, and we are still here.

Indigenous languages are central to the identity of Indigenous People. The preservation of their languages, cultures, worldviews and visions are critical to them and an expression of their self-determination. Preserving them maintains historical continuity and fosters a sense of identity and belonging. 

Languages are more than just a way to communicate. People rely on language to connect to their cultures and to pass down history, traditions, and songs. Preserving language maintains a sense of belonging and continuity for future generations. Languages and cultures contribute to the richness of human diversity. Protecting them fosters a more inclusive society, where multiple perspectives and ways of life are recognized and valued. 

When a language becomes extinct, it loses its history and identity. We cannot let that happen to us. Our Acjachemem language must  be preserved, not just for us but for our future generations. It will be difficult for them to be able to relate to our past, our traditions and our ancestors. Our Language will actually help us “live” our culture. Our next steps are to access resources to create programs that will enable us to preserve, learn and teach the Acjachemem language before it becomes too late.