Since 2022, Learning Bird has partnered with Tsal’alh Nation to support the development of St̓át̓imcets language and culture resources and curriculum for Sk'il Mountain Community School.
Our collaboration began with two classroom resource kits focused on Berry Picking and Fishing. Working closely with school leaders and Elders, we developed materials that integrate St̓át̓imcets vocabulary into hands-on learning about traditional practices. Each kit includes adaptable handouts designed for learners from Kindergarten through Grade 7, supporting age-appropriate learning across classrooms.
We then worked with community language speakers and Elders to develop a series of foundational language resources for early learners. Content was gathered and refined through virtual interviews, ensuring the materials reflect local knowledge and voices in St̓át̓imcets.
The series includes 10 basic vocabulary videos featuring Elder pronunciations, paired with illustrated flashcards and interactive language games to support hands-on learning. These resources cover a variety of topics, including: Animals; Berries, Trees, Plants; Body Parts; Clothing; Commands, and more.
Two illustrated conversation videos, focused on Clothing and Animals, help learners build St̓át̓imcets vocabulary through context. These resources are designed to support listening, speaking, and classroom engagement, whether used together or as standalone tools.
Building on this foundation, we continued our partnership by developing the St̓át̓imcets Language and Culture Curriculum for K-4. Structured around the seasonal cycle, the curriculum supports year-round learning through classroom instruction and land-based activities. It reflects Tsal’alh Nation’s commitment to intergenerational learning by actively involving Elders and Knowledge Keepers and grounding instruction in traditional cultural practices.
“The Learning Bird team has been an incredible partner in helping us create resources that reflect our community and support our unique dialect of Oji-Cree. They provided invaluable guidance in developing our holistic Oji-Cree language and culture curriculum. Our team of Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and educators really enjoyed working together to develop the curriculum. This process brought our education team closer together, and the curriculum will provide our students with relevant culture and language programming.”
Mary Gardiner, Principal
Simon Jacob Memorial Education Centre
