People needing a self-paced approach to learning about Canada’s history through the lens of Indigenous communities local to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation will now be able to do so.
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has developed an online alternative to its Nenqayni Ch’ih Deni Wedli (Let’s Live Indigenous) course which aims to build greater understanding of Tŝilhqot’in culture.
Tl'etinqox (Anaham) Chief Joe Alphonse who serves as the Tribal Chair for TNG and said it’s old school to only offer the course live and in person. "Not everybody can make it in person,” he said, noting barriers like single parenting and commuting costs. “We want to reach as many people as we can.”
The course was initially created in 2017 when tensions were rising between local Indigenous communities and colonial agencies. With funding from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, TNG created the course in hopes of developing better relations.
Chief Alphonse pointed to the history of misunderstanding between Indigenous and settler communities and said, “you can criticize but you also have to put yourself in a situation where you’re part of the solution." He encourages everyone to take the course because it he said is an “eye-opening experience,” and has received great feedback.
There will be a free online launch of the program at noon on Sept. 16, the same day the course will be offered in person this fall in the Williams Lake Gibraltar Room. Those interested in signing up can contact Kayla Zaruk by email kaylazaruk@tsilhqotin.ca or by phone 250 302 0865.
