I will always speak dän kwänje.

We hear from Sha'ala, language coach for the First Nation School Board, as he shares his deep connection to Dän Kwänje. Sha'ala discusses the importance of preserving and speaking one's own language, emphasizing how it nurtures the spirit, honours elders, and strengthens ties to the land and ancestors.

“Good day. My name is Sha'ala. I am wolf clan. That big dog is my dog. Her name is Kokoa. Kokoa always travels with me.  

I am standing on Shadal ra. That mountain is called shadhęl. I am learning dän kwänje for my elders. I think about dän kwänje so that my whole self can be happy. For a long time I sat with my elders, our elders, so that I can learn to speak dän kwänje well.  

I am learning dän kwänje so that it is not lost. When I walk on our grandfathers country, I always speak to it in dän kwänje so that our grandfathers country can hear me well when I say words of gratitude. I speak dän kwänje so that our grandfathers country and our ancestors can hear me well. When I am said I speak dän kwänje so that my heart and spirit can be well. I am always happy when all people speak dän kwänje.  

I will always speak dän kwänje so that it is not lost. You should speak a native language too. Take care of yourself.”