A group of Chemainus First Nation members will be learning the Hul’qumi’num language from experts in March.

Pearl Harris and Buffy David, language instructors at Chemainus Native College (CNC)are working with master canoe builders Manny and Elmer Sampson in a unique two-week course. Students will be working with the two brothers building a Tribal Journey canoe.

Harris said that only Hul’qumi’num will be spoken for the two weeks. She said she hoped students of all ages will not only pick up language skills, but other cultural gifts such as canoe building, singing and drumming.

The two instructors gave a demonstration of the total physical response (TPR) methods they use in their teachings. They not only teach at CNC, but at Naut’su maut Lelum daycare and Thursday-evening drumming and singing sessions in the Elders centre.

“It is our goal to have Hul’qumi’num communities fluent in our language by 2010,” Harris said. “Thanks to those who have taken the first step, we’re almost there.”

Meanwhile, CNC manager Joe Elliott said potential Hul’qumi’num language students should start thinking ahead to this autumn. People wanting to take CNC’s successful language course needs to start the ball rolling soon in order to guarantee themselves a place when the new sessions starts in September.

CNC’s Hul’qumi’num facility is located at Chemainus First Nation’s community complex on Shell Beach Road. White said that 22 students – from Saanich to Nanoose – enrolled in last fall’s program.

He said that each Nation has own its registration process for post-secondary students, but CNC should be contacted first to fill out registration before going to education coordinators at individual Nations.

Up to 33 credits can be earned by those taking the course. CNC has an affiliation agreement in place with Vancouver Island University which means that courses and programs are transferable.

Contact Cathy Harris, program coordinator, at charris@cfnation.com or 250-245-1492.