Culture

The Nisg̱a’a Constitution provides that Simgigat (Chieftains), Sigidim Haanaḵ’ (Matriarchs), and respected Nisg̱a’a elders advise Nisg̱a’a Government on matters relating to the traditional values of the Nisg̱a’a Nation through the Council of Elders, and that the Nisg̱a’a Government must respect and encourage the use of the Nisg̱a’a language and the practice of Nisg̱a’a culture. Nisg̱a’a culture is vibrant and strong. We are working to ensure the revival of our language keeps pace with this cultural renaissance.

The Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government (NLG) is committed to protecting, preserving, promoting, and revitalizing Nisg̱a’a language and culture in all aspects of society. NLG’s Directorate of Language & Culture works to achieve this through:

• development and maintenance of the catalogue system for Nisg̱a’a archives;
• digitizing audio interviews with elders and past leaders;
• resource and administrative support for the Council of Elders and various government committees;
• collaborating and supporting various language and culture initiatives by various NLG stakeholders;
• research and production of books and audio/visual resources on key aspects of Nisg̱a’a language and culture, and;supporting other NLG languages and culture initiatives.

For more information, contact: Destinee Clayton, Administrative Support (first point of contact) 250-633-3014 desinee.clayton@nisgaanation.ca.

New Nisg̱a’a Language & Culture Website

NLG is building a website is dedicated to helping Nisg̱a’a citizens strengthen their identity and connect with their community through our language, traditional cultural practices, events, and celebrations.

As Nisg̱a’a, you are part of a vibrant and enduring tradition. The new Language & Culture website will help you discover who we are, the ancient bonds that unite us, and how we see our world.

Launching in winter 2024/2025, the new website will feature both printed and audio/visual resources designed to enrich the appreciation of:

• Na Nuum̓ / Who We Are
• Lip Ts’eets’iks-Gum̓ / Our Land
• Lip Algaxam̓ / Our Language
• Lip Wilaa Loom̓ / Our Culture.