First Nations Education Foundation
700 West Pender Street V6C1G8 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Always great working with TOP Canada Foundation - Joel and Mary.

Harry Lucas - http://globalnews.ca//b-c-first-nations-mourn-loss-of-resp

In light of all the unknown that is going on all around us, we can ground ourselves in prayer. Here is a little prayer that I put together, maybe you can add it to your daily routine. I hope this is helpful, uu

Rest in peace Mr. Lucas and our heartfelt condolences to the Lucas family.

Merry Christmas! Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. #gratitude

November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day. Today, along with every day, we celebrate and remember Indigenous veterans and all they have done. Thank you for your service and the impact you have made.

This year will mark the 7th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day, a day chosen to commemorate the children that attended Indian Residential Schools and those who hav...e been affected by their legacy. To Phyliss Jack Webstad, a survivor, it marks the day in 1973, that she had her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day of school at the St. Joseph Mission residential school. At the NIB Trust Fund, we support Survivors and their descendants as they embark on educational endeavors to a brighter future. We are proud to share Phyliss’ story and honor and support the resilience of survivors and families by wearing our orange shirts today. We hope to see your photo today. For more information on #OrangeShirtDay please visit https://www.orangeshirtday.org/ See more

Courtesy of Nancy Wilmot, Producer, Shaw Spotlight Shaw Communications Inc. Port Alberni, B.C. - Thank you for sharing and reminding us all of what this work is about! Shaw Spotlight https://youtu.be/gNO_FoPjg_M

#powwowpitch Great pitch Joel, #TheOwlsPathMarketplace!! Clear, concise, confident.

Words can't express how amazing this 10 days of RWC work with Haisla has been; but I think you'll get the idea that the work is a lot more than linguistics when you hear what the community and participants have to say. This was one component of a year long project but definitely the best.

Day 1 of our Rapid Word Collection was so exciting to be a part of! History in the making! So much laughter, so much xaislakala being spoken. 1 1/2 years of bac...k and forth emails, phone calls, and day one was over in a blink of an eye. So surreal, it’s happening! 400 words out of a projected 10,000 to collect by the end of two weeks time. #wisenisxaislakala ! See more

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to NIB Trust Fund for their support in this ground breaking work. It could not happen without you.

Teresa Windsor - Language & Culture Coordinator HNC, Chief Councillor - Crystal Smith HNC, Scott Jeary - Executive Director FNEF, Rapid Word Collection Workshop xa’islakala (Haislakala). How does Rapid Word Collection work? Based on principles of cognitive theory, Ron Moe of SIL International pioneered a technique called the Dictionary Development Process (DDP), of which the first phase is Rapid Word Collection. There is substantial evidence that we organize words in our mi...nds in a giant network of relationships. Words tend to cluster in groups called semantic domains. So a semantic domain is like a family of closely related words that are linked in a variety of ways. Linguists call the semantic relationships between words "lexical relations." For many years lexicographers have suggested that semantic domains could be used to collect words. But the method requires an extensive list of domains. Moe saw the need and developed a set of domains that could be used to collect words. He also developed elicitation questions and sample words for each domain to stimulate people’s minds. Given the uniqueness of each culture, it is largely held that the domains of a language are unique and a unique set of domains must be discovered for each language--a task so daunting that few have undertaken it. While it is true that each language has some unique domains, humans from different cultures are more alike than different and there is a large degree of universality in the semantic domains we use. We find the same universality and variation in the phonological and grammatical systems of a language. Moe’s semantic domains and elicitation questions do not purport to be universal. But they have proven to work in a wide variety of languages to stimulate the neural networks and trigger the release of all kinds of related words. The human brain has the ability to rapidly recall the words that belong to a semantic domain, jumping from word to word along the pathways of lexical relations. So if you ask someone to list the words that are related to the word "sun," they can quickly give you a number of words such as "moon, light, sunbeam, shine, sunrise, noon, sunset, sunstroke." Gather these words for each of the nearly 1800 semantic domains Moe distinguishes, and you have a highly effective method for capturing the building blocks of a language. See more

Great photo, powerful message! Taken on Haisla territory last weekend at BLM support rally. This is our friend, Teresa Windsor, Language & Cultural Coordinator HNC. -Photo by Toni Reinert Photography.

Today's Woman Warriors This old growth, red cedar mask features a red hand over the mouth, which is symbolic for missing and murdered Indigenous woman. This pow...erful piece is done by Ditidaht artist, Russel Tate. "Honouring native woman and those who stand together against people who abuse and kill native woman." -Russel Tate. This mask is a symbol to be shared on the wall of your office or your home. A symbol of the resilience our matriarch's model every day. **ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FALLEN FEATHER'S FUND** www.theowlspathmarket.com for purchase * This fund is setup to be used to help Indigenous children who's Mothers are either injured or killed. The Fund will be available as soon as we sell our first piece with all the money being given to the children and used as needed. Please join our mission to be able to help showcase the strength of "Todays Warrior Women" In Loving Memory Of Chantel Moore #StayGolden #MMIW

Congratulations Dr. Sayers #ntc #judesayers

You're invited to participate in the Haisla Rapid Word Collection workshop! Refer to:https://haislakala.wordpress.com/haisla-rapid-word-collect/ for more details.

From Reconciliation Canada: June is National Indigenous History Month! We invite you to join us for the month as we explore our shared history through resources intended to educate, connect communities and promote #reconciliation. Please help us spread these resources by liking and sharing any posts that resonate with you. For today, we share our ambassador Chief Robert Joseph’s story, as illustrated by CBC.

We just received our order of Wolf in Teal and could not be happier! The product quality, fabric and fit is outstanding and the design is simply beautiful!

Last week I was standing beside a non indigenous lady waiting for my services. She struck up a conversation with me, when she inquired to what it is I do for wo...rk I told her I was CHR(Community Health Representative)of my Nation. Her reply was simply "Oh! So I pay your salary?" Rather than being insulted and getting angry I decided to do her a favor and educate her a little. My reply; "Miss, a little lesson in the basics of economics may give you a better understanding of how things ACTUALLY work...the very fundamental ingredient for any ECONOMY in this world is having a LAND BASE, one that is rich in resources. These resources are harvested, extracted or grown from that land. This creates a work/Jobs, commodities and REVENUES. This in turn creates a workforce that pays into a tax base that creates roads, infrastructures, schools and hospitals. This WORKFORCE in turn needs services and goods which EXPANDS this economy creating more businesses and more jobs. Pretty basic stuff..."Now, where do you think this land base came from Ma'am? The indigenous peoples of "Canada" signed Treaties to share our land base so indigenous and non indigenous peoples could all prosper from the richness of OUR land base.instead our people got raped, murdered, thrown in residential schools, jails and marginalized from the economic benefits of our own land and became the poorest people as a result. So no matter what "job" or business you have, Indigenous people have paid and continue to pay YOUR salary every single day whether you'd like to admit that or not. No land base= No country= No economy= No jobs! It's really that simple." If you think Canada is the "Best Country" in the world, than please take the time to learn about its REAL history and be THANKFUL. Please share... Miigwech See more

https://youtu.be/g0O2RPv1aKE #languagerevitalizationpolefnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism

Les Doiron is the CEO of the First Nations Education Foundation (FNEF) and former President of the Yuuuiath Government (Ucluelet First Nation). Les has led... and taken part of critical language revitalization projects such as a pilot project between FNEF and the Yuuuiath Government to help revitalize Nuu-Chah-Nulth (Barkley dialect), a part of the Wakashan Language family. Les has been focusing efforts to raise the Language Revitalization Totem Pole, created by Master Carver Tim Paul and facilitated by FNEF in honour of the United Nations Year of Indigenous Languages. Learn more about his work: http://ow.ly/wrxm50ykSXV See more

The stop signs in Kitamaat Village are now in Haislakala! One of Haisla's Community Goals is to revitalize the Haisla Language. This is one small example in action.

Education, awareness, understanding, mutual respect , then positive action.

#languagerevitalizationpolefnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism

Les Doiron est le PDG de la First Nations Education Foundation (FNEF) et ancien président du gouvernement Yuuuiath (Première Nation d'Ucluelet). Les a dir...igé d'importants projets de revitalisation des langues tels qu'un projet pilote entre la FNEF et le gouv. Yuuuiath afin d'aider à revitaliser le Nuu-Chah-Nulth (dialecte Barkley), qui fait partie de la famille de langues Wakashan. Les contribue aux efforts visant à ériger le totem de revitalisation des langues, créé par le maître sculpteur Tim Paul et facilité par la FNEF dans le cadre de l'Année internationale des langues autochtones des Nations Unies. Plus d'info sur son travail: http://ow.ly/wrxm50ykSXV See more

Visit https://www.topcanadafoundation.com/ for more videos

Its been quite a year and 2020 will be the best. Thought we would share a quick summary of our videos: https://youtu.be/2dVRW2GwrdU https://youtu.be/v7DrwcGjd60 https://youtu.be/uwoUfdw5VQo https://youtu.be/BWEHtweq98M https://youtu.be/y4jvlarPWqE https://youtu.be/UDw1MRlNnc8 https://youtu.be/3f31epXhx30 #languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism

Great work, excellent film! #languagerevitalizationpole #ShawSpotlightFeatures #languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism

The language of a Totem Pole is a language of symbolism, with every figure being a representation of something important. The carving of such a pole can be a de...eply spiritual experience, and even life-changing! Tomorrow you can find out how, only on Shaw Spotlight. Cecil Dawson - Artist Tseshaht First Nation Nuu-chah-nulth #ShawSpotlightFeatures #PortAlberni #TotemPole

Just wanted to share a terrific story of language learning goals and achievement.

Our CEO Les Doiron wears a lot of hat's!

Thank you Andy and Robin for the support!

"There’s an urgency within my generation to record what our elders have to say while we have them, hear their languages before they’re lost and learn the creation stories that brought us here. Most Canadians don’t live with these fears and the persistent tension of loss."

Merry Christmas! May peace, love and harmony prevail.

No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude. Alfred North Whitehead. We would like to express our gratitude to The Owls Path Canada Foundation, Mary-Ann, Joel, Scott and their team for the generous $5,000 donation we just received; the result of their hard work putting on the gala fundraiser for our project in November. We also thank all those who attended, those who bid at the auction and to ...the generous sponsors of the event who contributed to this donation. So again, on behalf of FNEF, our staff, volunteers and of course the carvers and artists of the Language Revitalization Pole who receive these funds, Thank You!! uusyaksieicuu #languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism See more

British Columbia's Eagle Tree

Language is more than what we use to communicate. It is our identity. It is our ancestry. It is our legacy. Hear languages. Meet speakers. See what's being done. cbc.ca/originalvoices

Take the time to learn and understand the true narrative.

Here we go! Fashion show time Language Revitalization Pole Fundraiser Gala featuring NoMiNoU Designs #NoMiNoU #DJDBLG #PortAlberni #VancouverIsland #BritishC...olumbia #ExploreYourPath #TheOwlsPathTourism See more

Thanks for the plug Peak FM! Click on the post to hear the conversation with Cecil.

Shout out to RBC in Port Alberni for your generous sponsorship towards the Language Pole fundraiser gala. Only 2 more days till the event! #sponsor #languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #exploreyourpath #portalberni #specialthanks #fundraiser #supporter

#languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism

"This history is not your fault; but it is your responsibility." https://youtu.be/QP9x1NnCWNY

Yes, the Pole is staying at home in Port Alberni. November 5, 2019, Vancouver, B.C. The First Nations Education Foundation (FNEF) announced today that they have agreed to keep the FNEF Language Revitalization Pole in Port Alberni in response to increasing community calls for it to remain in the city. The carving phase of the project is approaching completion and the next phase, in which the pole will be raised, will now follow in 2020. FNEF Executive Director, Scott Jeary, ...says the non-profit First Nations Education Foundation has always seen itself as the facilitator of the project not the owner. He says the group is more than happy to oblige the wishes of the local First Nations and the Port Alberni community; and with full support from UVic which is where the Language Revitalization Pole was originally to have been raised and located once completed. Once the carving phase of the Pole project is completed, a traditional ceremony will take place to close the eyes of the Pole and lay it at rest until the eyes are opened again when it is raised. The pole raising in Port Alberni, and the ceremony to open the eyes, is planned to take place in the spring of 2020. A fundraising Gala is also being held on November 22 to help support the project. The Gala is being hosted by The Owls Path of Port Alberni featuring Indigenous eco-fashion designer NoMinNoU. Information and tickets for the event can be found on Facebook at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/535812040564591/. Photo courtesy of Jordan Dyck photography #languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #timpaul #hesquiaht #mastercarver #nuuchahnulth #cecildawson #kwakwakawakw #exploreyourpath #TheOwlsPathTourism

Big shout out to our friends at our Alberni Dirstict Co-op! Thank you for your support and generous sponsorship towards the Language Revitalization Pole Fundra...iser Gala! #languagerevitalizationpole #fnef #portalberni #nov22 #fundraiser #grateful #supporter #nuuchahnulth #language #vancouverisland #albernidistrictcoop

Thank you Owls Path, Joel, Mary-Ann and your team!!

Watch as Cecil talks us through the pole and witness the magnificent work! Thanks to The Owls Path for the film and stream! And of course to the Maritime Heritage Museum for hosting the work. Much love to Tim Paul and all the carver's for this beautiful display of their craft.

We Are One is a local program run by Roseann John and her partner Wayne Newfield, inspired by their 14 year old daughter. Their goal/mission is to help the h...omeless, less fortunate and the elderly throughout Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni & Parksville. They are looking for donations of: personal hygiene products, bottled water, blankets, jackets/coats, footwear, socks, gloves, hats, undergarments, etc ... They pick up donations every Friday and distribute every Saturday, this will happen every week throughout the winter months. If you would like to donate you can contact Roseann by email or drop off at the local save on foods in their donation bin. Email: [email protected] Address: P.O Box 20, Ahousat, British Columbia, V0R 1A0, Canada Tleco Tleco

So much respect for Cindy Blackstock and her work, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

Thank you Tourism Vancouver Island for the support!!