Language and Culture Program
Supporting CSFS member Nations to keep Dakelh and other Indigenous languages, stories and cultural teachings strong through community-led programs, land-based activities and Knowledge Holder guidance.
At a Glance
Supporting CSFS member Nations to keep Dakelh and other Indigenous languages, stories and cultural teachings strong through community-led programs, land-based activities and Knowledge Holder guidance.
Who's It for
- Children and youth in CSFS Member Nations
- Parents, caregivers and extended family
- Elders, Knowledge Holders and language speakers
- Community members interested in language and culture
Where It's Offered
- Programs are offered in CSFS Member Nations and in Vanderhoof.
- Activities may take place in community spaces, on the land, at camps and in cultural gathering places.
What We Help With
- Language and culture programming for all ages
- Land-based and seasonal cultural activities
- Support for Elders and Knowledge Holders to share teachings
- Development of community-specific cultural resources and materials
How To Access
- Connect with the CSFS Language and Culture team
- Ask your band office, school or community worker about upcoming programs
About the Program
The Language and Culture Program supports CSFS member Nations in strengthening and sharing language, stories andcultural practices. The program encourages Elders and Knowledge Holders to act as mentors and pass on teachings through storytelling, land-based survival skills and community-led activities.
Language and culture are central to identity, belonging and wellness. Many Nations have experienced disruption to language transmission and cultural practices because of colonization, residential schools and ongoing systemic barriers.
Our long-term goal is to help create a cultural research inventory for each CSFS community. This includes developing and printing community-specific books and resources that honour:
- History
- Genealogy
- Stories and legends
- Keyoh and land connections
- Photographs and visual records
All programming is developed with guidance from Elders, Knowledge Holders, language speakers, teachers, storytellers and artists.
Who This Serves
Programs are available to all CSFS member Nations. This includes:
- Children and youth
- Parents, caregivers and extended family
- Elders and Knowledge Holders
- Language speakers, learners and teachers
- Community members who want to reconnect with culture and language
Programming is tailored to each community’s goals, protocols and strengths.
How to Access Support
You can connect with the Language and Culture Program by:
- Reaching out to our program contact: Call, email or visit the office in Vanderhoof to ask about current and upcoming programs.
- Connecting through your community: Ask your band office, school, health centre or community worker if they are hosting Language and Culture activities with CSFS.
- Joining scheduled activities: Take part in camps, workshops, celebrations or groups that are shared through community posters, social media or word of mouth.
- Talking with an Elder or Knowledge Holder: Elders and Knowledge Holders who wish to be involved can contact the program to explore mentorship or teaching roles.
Self-referral is welcome. You do not need a formal referral to express interest or ask questions.
