English Translation: able to reach the bottom
Part of Speech: adjective (not verb!)
Language: Nisga’a
Sample phrase: Dim t’ip-aajax̱kwhl hagwiluxwa?
Sample phrase translation: Will the rope be long enough to reach the bottom?
The Nisga’a language is classified by linguists as a Tsimshian language which is very closely related to Gitxsan. Here is some information about this multifaceted, severely endangered language:
The Nisga’a First Nation describes their traditional territory as such:
“Located on British Columbia’s rugged northwest coast, Nisga’a Lands are blessed with soaring mountains, dramatic lava beds, picturesque fjords, and thriving rivers and streams. The natural beauty of Nisga’a Lands is complemented by the Nisga’a Nation’s rich cultural traditions.”
Did you know?
The Nisga’a First Nation has its own traditional law, Ayuukhl Nisga’a, which “is the living record of [their] nation and [their] view of the world” (Nisga’a First Nation website). In their words:
“It is Nisga’a history as told by our elders; the creation of the world, the Great Flood, the volcano’s eruption, the founding of the great families and their crest system, the mythical feasts of warriors and spirits, the role of Nisga’a Simgigat, Sigidim Haanak’, K’uba-Wilksihlkw (younger-ranking Nisga’a), and visitors on our lands.
Ayuukhl Nisga’a shows us that every being has a rightful and meaningful place in society — and that we are all interdependent — we need one another. In Nisga’a society, one’s identity is symbolized by one’s Ayukws (crests) which is portrayed on regalia and other Wilp (House)/family property, and by our beliefs of sharing wealth in a meaningful and carefully planned way.”
To find out more about the Nisga’a language and Peoples, click here and here.
***
We acknowledge that the land on which we work is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.