Uuqmis Tla-o-qui-aht Language & Culture
Opportunities for Tla-o-qui-aht youth to practice language on the land and in the canoe.
The Uuqmis Tla-o-qui-aht Language and Culture Youth Program prepares young people to take care of each other and to take care of the land through experiences with community members and through the teachings of the Canoe, to develop a strong sense of Tla-o-qui-aht identity.
In 2019, Uuqmis included several one-day canoe trips, hiking trips and a five-day culture camp in which youth paddled out to Echachisht and joined in the arrival of canoes.
Building Strong Roots
The program creates opportunities for familiarity between Tla-o-qui-aht youth and territory and language learning experiences. Strong roots are important for the continuation of ancestral care taking of their home. Uuqmis fills the need identified in the Tla-o-qui-aht strategy plan.
The Canoe as the Teacher
A 5-day culture camp and multiple day-programs included storytelling, singing, language on the land and skill building.
In Summer 2019, youth cruised around within Tla-o-qui-aht tribal park. Their vessel, Saasitqwaiis, is a 35-foot canoe in Gisele Martin’s care which will be available for the Uuqmis TLC (Tla-o-qui-aht Language and Culture Program).
