Feature Wednesday, April 24,1991 — A14 Cowichan language preserved by classes HEARING HALKOMENEN, the traditional Cowichan language, from his students is Elder Henry James, who is helping teach classes in the language at the Pauguachin reserve band office. Elders Herman Henry and Elmer Henry are also teaching the language. The Cowichan culture and lan- guage is being preserved through weekly classes at the Pauquachin Reserve band office, taught by elders Henry James, Herman Henry and Elmer Henry. About 15 students attend the informal classes, which review the traditional territory and family relationships of the Cowichan peo- ple while teaching the Halko- menen tongue. “To understand where we’re going in the future, we have to understand our language,” band manager Lyall Henry says. east to the Fraser River and south to the western United States. “Long before there were TESCIVes, We were a travelling peo- ple,” Lyall Henry explained. ‘For the youngest ones who were bom and raised on the reserve, they have to learn we weren’t a reserve people. “Our youth have been asking for these classes for some time.” The classes started two months ago and supplement classes at the Lau,welnew Tribal School, which teach the Sencoten Sanetch lan- guage. ‘To understand where we’re going in the fufure, we have to understand our language’ James said knowing the lan- guage helps band members trace their family relationships and tra- ditional territory, which are all identified in Halkomenen. Regrettably, many of the youn- ger band members do not know the history of their people or their traditional language. James said his son knows one phrase, which translates to “how are you?” “To understand where we're going in the future, we have to understand our language,” Lyall Henry says. The Cowichan terri- tory extends north to Nanoose, The Cowichan language, Halko- menen, is similar to Sencoten, Lyall Henry said. The majority of the people on the Pauquachin reserve have a Cowichan back- ground, although there is a great deal of mingling between the Cowichan and Sanetch tribes. People now have the opportu- nity to learn both languages, Lyall Henry said. “The reviving of the language is really encouraging. There are a lot of people learning it, through the tribal school and through the com- munity,” he said. Oven Jo y Bread — 450g Limit 4 per Family Purchase 2/99" 655-1111 652-1111 “SERVICE TAXI Sidney - North & Central Saanich DEBORAH GRAY Product knowledge is achieved through hard work and experience. Buying or sel- ling real estate requires skill and patience. With my sup- port and guidance I can make this an enjoyable experience for you. Call DEBORAH GRAY NRS PENINSULA PROP. 652-5171 eSamds Funeral Chapels 656-2932 or 388-5155 Offer a complete choice of Professional Services. — TRADITIONAL — MEMORIAL — DIRECT CREMATION — FULL PRE-ARRANGEMENTS SERVICES Services from your church or in either of our chapels at 1803 QUADRA STREET VICTORIA or 317 GOLDSTREAM AVE. COLWOOD Pkg. of 8 9 Skylark Hot Dog & _ Hamburger Buns ‘ & Roman Meal Bread “1 Harvest Recipe, Hearty Oatmeal or Sun Harvest 570g loaf ¢ _ Prices Effective April 24th to April 27th in Your Neighbourhood Sidney Safeway, Beacon Plaza