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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Pictures

 Eating Together

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Family is Visiting Us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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