About Nk̓ʷusm

For the last 8 years, Nk̓ʷusm has lead the way in Salish language revitalization in young people.  The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Nk̓ʷusm, operates the Snïiiïo Salish immersion pre-school and primary school.  There are 30 students ages of 2 -12 enrolled for the 2009-2010 school year. The organization operates 3 programs in addition to the school: curriculum development, fluent speaker training and an adult immersion program for certified teachers. Nåusm’s mission is to recreate a process whereby the language is passed from parent to child as once was common.  The immersion school has expanded from a single classroom with only preschool children to multiple classrooms and children into primary school. Nåusm is seeking funding to implement an adult immersion and teacher training program. All development is located in the Flathead Reservation.

The Flathead Indian Reservation is located within the boundaries of northwestern Montana.  It is the home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.  The tribes became members of the Confederacy through the treaty of Hellgate in 1855 with the US government. The upper Pend d’Oreilles made their homelands in Camas Prairie and St. Ignatius areas. They shared hunting grounds to the north with the Kootenais. The Salish were removed from their homeland in the Bitterroot valley after a long, bitter struggle. Although the past has been a long struggle for our parents, grandparents, and ancestors, the Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai cultures and traditions have survived and hope to be stronger in the future.

The Salish language is currently spoken by less than 50 people, most of whom are over 75 years old.  There are no first language fluent Salish speakers under 50.  Nåusm assists the community to ensure the continuation of the language by strengthening the work of the Salish Immersion School, the only comprehensive Salish language program in the world.

The objectives of Nåusm are to increase the number and quality of materials available to teach the Salish language for primary students by creating a complete curriculum with materials and activities for the primary grades; increase the number of speakers through community participation in school activities and programs and the school’s participation in community activities; increase the fluency of Salish speakers through participation in the school and the school’s outreach programs; and ultimately recreating the process whereby the Salish language is passed from parent to child.

Listen closely to the voices that connect generations through the forces of time. Voices revealing tales of survival, challenge, opportunity, desire, vision, pain and through it all hope. These are the voices of the Salish people. Every voice is an important link between the past and the present. Nåusm believes in the need for these voices to be heard. In listening, one can learn. Nåusm is in place to preserve the power and dignity of the Salish language. For it is the one true link between people and identity that can allow future generations to remain connected with the Salish world. Nåusm has evolved out of a need to protect the harmony that can only exist when different languages survive. Today, the voices of time are fading. They must be nourished and protected so that the voice of the Salish people can once again flourish throughout the land.

By remembering the past, Nåusm will be able to move ahead with honesty, humility, vision, creativity and passion. In reaching out to the community, the program seeks to bring people together in a proactive manner that is empowering and family friendly. Looking to the future, Nåusm is dedicated to perpetuating the Salish language through the creation of comprehensive educational programs that involve people of all ages. Through the formation of an Immersion School as well as providing opportunities for others, the project will work to make language acquisition a fundamental cornerstone for community, cultural and personal pride. At all phases of development, Nåusm plans to push for excellence, high ethical standards and a strong level of personal integrity.

The voices of the past do not need to haunt the future. Instead, let the voices of the past become the voices of tomorrow. Nåusm’s journey to a new future is one that can only succeed with the involvement and assistance of the community. It is not a road that can be traveled by just one. Indeed, it is a trail that requires the talents, skills, wisdom, energies and understanding of all people. By coming together, those who value the Salish language and culture can take control of the future. This is a journey of the whole. The final destination is one beyond our imaginations, someplace between here, there and forever.

Meet the Staff and Board of Directors

Tachini Pete - Executive Director - Co-founder.
tachini @ salishworld com
M.B.A. Business Administration, Gonzaga University
B.S. Elementary Education, University of Montana Western
A.A. Bilingual Education, Salish Kootenai College
A.A. Native American Studies, Salish Kootenai College
Cert. Salish Cultural Leardership, Salish Kootenai College

Stephen SmallSalmon - Salish Language Specialist
stephen @ salishworld com

Jennifer Jilot - Certified Classroom Instructor
jen @ salishworld com
B.S. Elementary Education, Haskell Indian Nations University

Echo Brown - Certified Classroom Instructor
B.A. Elementary Education, Salish Kootenai College<br>
A.A. Early Childhood Education, Salish Kootenai College

Melanie Sandoval - Curriculum Specialist- Co-founder
melanie @ salishworld com
B.A. Elementary Education, University of Montana
A.A. Native American Studies, Salish Kootenai College

Jesse Jansen - Curriculum Specialist
B.S. Elementary Education,University of Montana Western

Esther Johnson - Cook
esther @ salishworld com