Interior Salish Languages

Bachelor of Language Fluency  |  NłeɁkepmx · Nsyilxcn · St’át’imc

Achieve advanced proficiency levels in Interior Salish languages while learning about multiple ways to contribute to language recovery and revitalization efforts in your communities.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

2 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Quick Find

Why study Interior Salish Languages at UBC Okanagan?

Language is deeply intertwined in our Indigenous communities’ culture. Interior Salish language bachelor degrees are an innovative collaboration between communities, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), En’owkin Centre and UBC Okanagan to sustain and revitalize language traditions, restore language competence and protect the knowledge of our communities.

Interior Salish language bachelor degrees begin with a summer transition course to ensure students’ successful introduction to UBC Okanagan and the university environment. During this course, students will connect with other Indigenous students, get familiar with the campus, engage with the Indigenous Programs and Services staff and services, and stay in on-campus residence.

Jeannette Armstrong works to protect Indigenous philosophies and oral Syilx stories

“I’m extremely passionate about Indigenous research that advances knowledge and will better guide environmental practices.”

Jeanette Armstrong

Jeannette Armstrong works to protect Indigenous philosophies and oral Syilx stories

“I’m extremely passionate about Indigenous research that advances knowledge and will better guide environmental practices.”

Degree Options

Three Interior Salish language bachelor degrees are offered on the UBC Okanagan campus:

To enter these degree, students must meet UBC’s requirements for transfer students’ admissions, with the exception of the English Language Admission Standard, which may be waived.

Additionally, students must have successfully completed the related two-year Language Fluency Diploma at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).

FURTHER STUDIES

Upon completion of any of the three Language Fluency degrees, graduates may consider applying for an MA or MSc degree in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) program at UBC Okanagan or to the Bachelor of Education post-degree program offered by the Okanagan School of Education.

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate academic planning.

 

Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency
EDUC 104 - Introduction to Academic Pedagogy: An Aboriginal Perspective

NłeɁkepmx Language Fluency
EDUC 104 - Introduction to Academic Pedagogy: An Aboriginal Perspective

St’át’imc Language Fluency
EDUC 104 - Introduction to Academic Pedagogy: An Aboriginal Perspective

Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency
ANTH 473 - Living Languages: Critical Approaches to Endangered Languages

NłeɁkepmx Language Fluency
INLG 281 - Sounds of Endangered Languages: Conservation and Revitalization
NLEK 333 - Language Practice and Pedagogy: Traditional Ecological Knowledge

St’át’imc Language Fluency
INLG 281 - Sounds of Endangered Languages: Conservation and Revitalization
STMC 333 - Language Practice and Pedagogy: Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
  • Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
  • Translators, terminologists and interpreters
  • Managers in natural resources production and fishing
  • Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
  • College and other vocational instructors
  • Social and community social workers

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Admission requirements Application Deadlines
Cost Estimator Financial Planning
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Already applied? Check your status or accept your offer.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

The final year of Interior Salish language bachelor degrees require an internship with a relevant community partner and a personal language project as a capstone for the degree. These opportunities allow students to explore their interest in their language learning and practice proficiency building in a personally meaningful context.

Interior Salish Language degrees are being implemented as an element of the UBC Okanagan’s Declaration of Truth and Reconciliation Commitments. These commitments are a part of the university’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. Learn more about Indigenous Engagement at UBC Okanagan.

Shedding light on the legacy of colonialism

“I developed academic relationships with a number of professors who helped shape my future as an academic.”

Marlowe Sam

Shedding light on the legacy of colonialism

“I developed academic relationships with a number of professors who helped shape my future as an academic.”

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

International Prospective Students Student Life at UBCO

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UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.

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