Kectéls-kuc

What they have given us

May 30th & 31st, 2025
Indigenous Languages Conference
at Chief Atahm School

Day Two Cultural Experience B: At Cyistcen (Pithouse at back of High School towards Mountain)

B: Me7 kuk̓uwétmet ell xqe7wellentiye t̓e sk̓wen̓llq ell meláme - Plant/Medicine Walk

Lisa Orton

As Immersion Program Coordinator at Chief Atahm School Lisa has various roles, including curriculum development, assisting in language classes for children and adults. Lisa holds a BA and a Secwepemc Language Proficiency Diploma and is completing her Master of Linguistics. Passionate about language revitalization and on-the-land learning, Lisa enjoys exploring Secwepemc plant traditional uses.

Denise Sellars

Denise (Tsilkst) Sellars (Xats̓úll – Soda Creek) is a Language Resource Assistant at the Chief Atahm School, where she works alongside teachers and staff to ensure the children get a well rounded education based in the Secwepemc language . She holds a Secwepemc Language Proficiency Diploma from Simon Fraser University (SFU) and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Secwepemc Language Fluency at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO).

About the Workshop:

Join Lisa and Denise Sellars for a guided plant identification walk that weaves together language, cultural teachings, and land-based learning. Starting with an introduction and prayer followed by an immersive exploration of Secwepemc plant names, uses, and ethical harvesting practices. We will share plant maps and language prompts to deepen learning. Visit key plant sites, recognize important cultural keystone species, and reflect on seasonal cycles that guide traditional harvesting. Come ready to observe, listen, and share in this interactive experience that connects language to the land in meaningful ways!