
Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Language Conservancy
Announce New Resources to Empower Salish Language
Revitalization Efforts
Collaboration Includes Release of Captivating Children's Books and Enhanced Online Dictionary for
Cowlitz Coast Salish Language Learners
Ridgefield, WA – The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and The Language Conservancy (TLC) are proud to
announce the release of new and improved Cowlitz Coast Salish language learning materials for children
and adults. These resources include two new captivating children's picture books titled Our Family Is
Visiting Us (spatáyʼsmitawn tit sxamʼalaxʷ kɬ !) and Eating Together (ʔiɬaniɬt ʔacxʷ̣ uqʷɬ) along with
updates to the Cowlitz Coast Salish Online Dictionary, available for free online access and mobile
download (links below).
Our Family Is Visiting Us (spatáyʼsmitawn tit sxamʼalaxʷ kɬ !) introduces Early Learners to words
associated with the five senses through a heartwarming story of Grandma visiting her family. The book
also includes vocabulary related to body parts. Eating Together (ʔiɬaniɬt ʔacxʷ̣ uqʷɬ) teaches developing
learners about subtraction and different foods through a tale about a raccoon family.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this series of language learning picture books aims to foster
curiosity, engagement, and confidence in children. By exploring new subjects and experiencing stories
that uphold values like respect, humility, fair play, kindness, and kinship, children are encouraged to learn
while also developing a love for reading. Additionally, these books contribute to the development of math
and reasoning skills, inspiring young minds for their future endeavors.
The Cowlitz Coast Salish Online Dictionary has been updated to feature over 3,000 total entries and
numerous sentence examples in the Cowlitz Coast Salish language. Updates include an improved search
function, usage guide, and enhanced accessibility with dark/light mode options. Content and definitions
have also been revised.
“Providing resources that help members engage with our language is one of the most important ways to
preserve Cowlitz Tribal history and culture,” said Cowlitz General Council Chairwoman Patty Kinswa-
Gaiser. “We are deeply grateful for the partnership of the Language Conservancy in developing the
Cowlitz Coast Salish Dictionary and vocab builder app, and we can’t wait to share these wonderful new
children’s books with the next generation of Cowlitz leaders. When we provide the opportunity for tribal
youth to learn our language, we carry forward our ancestors' teachings for generations to come.”
Today’s announcement adds to the long history of collaboration between the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and
TLC, including:
• Four children’s books –I saw a skunk! (ʔit ʔə́xṇ kn t smáynʼ!), What are they doing?( Sʔininiɬt
kʷu?), Our Family Is Visiting Us (spatáyʼsmitawn tit sxamʼalaxʷ kɬ !), and Eating Together
(ʔiɬaniɬt ʔacxʷ̣ uqʷɬ), with iOS and Android media players for activating audio storytelling
• Cowlitz Coast Salish Dictionary online, Android mobile, and iOS mobile resources
• Cowlitz Coast Salish Vocab builder app for iOS and Android
“It is a real honor to be a part of this transformative journey that Cowlitz Indian Tribe is making to
revitalize their language,” said CEO of The Language Conservancy Wilhelm Meya. “Language serves as
a vital cornerstone in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage, and it is truly historic to have the
opportunity to support the reconstruction of the Cowlitz Coast Salish language. The Cowlitz people are
extraordinary, and we feel privileged to be working hand in hand to empower the community and future
generations of speakers."
For more information, please visit www.CowlitzSalish.org.
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About the Cowlitz Indian Tribe
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is a growing force in community building in the Pacific Northwest. The Cowlitz
Reservation neighbors Ridgefield, Washington, and is home to ilani, the Pacific Northwest's premier
gaming, dining, meeting, and entertainment destination. The mission of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is to
preserve and honor the legacy of its elders and ancestors by empowering a tribal community that
promotes social justice and economic well-being, secures aboriginal lands, respects culture and
sovereignty, and fosters justice, freedom, and mutual welfare. More information can be found
at www.cowlitz.org.
About The Language Conservancy
The Language Conservancy is a nonprofit organization leading the way in Native American language
revitalization. Over the past 20 years, TLC has worked with Indigenous communities around the world to
create an unmatched body of language learning materials. Earlier this year, they introduced the 3rd
Media Contacts:
Crystal Leigh, cleigh@cowlitz.org
Taylor Bickford, taylorb@strategies360.com