Language is the heartbeat of cultural identity, worldviews, and traditions. For Indigenous communities, teaching and promoting languages like Dakelh is essential for preserving and passing on traditional knowledge, stories, songs, and history to future generations. 
 
This year’s All Clans Gathering: Dakelh K’oh Yalhtuk is set to be a historic event as the entire Dakelh Nation converges on Lheidli T'enneh Hubu Keyoh (Prince George) to unite in support of the governance and future of the Dakelh language. On September 28 and 29, Dakelhne from across the region will come together in a powerful show of solidarity, celebrating their shared heritage and committing to the growth and revitalization of their language. 
 
On the first day, a diverse lineup of presenters will provide attendees with unique learning experiences, unveiling the new Dakelh curriculum and setting the stage for important discussions about the future of language education. 
 
The second day will be dedicated to interactive workshops that delve into the complexities of the Dakelh language. These sessions will offer participants hands-on opportunities to engage with the language and connect with fellow community members. The day will culminate at the Civic Centre with the All Clans Gathering, where cultural pride and unity will be celebrated through shared stories, songs, and traditions. 

Dakelh (Carrier) is spoken by the Dene tribes of the Northern, Central, and Southern Interior of British Columbia. The differences between English and Indigenous languages like Dakelh are profound, reflecting unique worldviews and connections to the land, community, and spirituality. Unlike English, which often emphasizes static nouns and follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, Dakelh uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order, placing verbs at the end of a sentence. This linguistic structure reflects the Dakelh focus on relationships and actions rather than static entities. 
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) has played a crucial role in making this event accessible for all Dakelh communities.

By working closely with many member communities, CSFS has provided logistical and financial support to ensure that representatives from across the Dakelh Nation can attend and actively participate in this pivotal gathering. Their efforts underscore the importance of a collective commitment to the future of the Dakelh language and cultural revitalization. 
This two-day event, open to all ages, runs from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

The language presentations on Saturday, September 28 will be held at the University of Northern British Columbia, followed by the All-Clan Gathering at the Civic Centre on Sunday, September 29. Registration is now closed. 
For more information, please contact Marion Erickson at marion.Erickson@unbc.ca. 

Resources: 

First Voices – www.firstvoices.com
Lheidli Dakelh Dictionary by Dr. Bill Poser - www.billposer.org/LheidliCarrierDictionary/dicttop.html  
Carrier Linguistic Society - www.nakazdliwhuten.ca/dakelh-culture/carrier-linguistic-society