Ktunaxa name bestowed on the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Working Group for the Decade of Indigenous languages
Ottawa, August 5, 2025 – Members of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages Working Group of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) are gathering in Ottawa next week to receive an invaluable and deeply significant gift—a group name in the Ktunaxa language. Representatives from various Ktunaxa communities in British Columbia are travelling to Ottawa to bestow the gift. The name, Hakiⱡkini k̓iⱡkiⱡwiy ka·kⱡukaqwaⱡaʔis, which means “holding the spirit of our languages,” reflects the shared goal of working group members: to contribute to maintaining, revitalizing and supporting Indigenous languages in Canada.
Hakiⱡkini k̓iⱡkiⱡwiy ka·kⱡukaqwaⱡaʔis - Pronunciation
Voice of Aiyana Twigg (Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi'it delegate):
Voice of Mary Mahseelah (Former Chief of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit, Ktunaxa Elder’s Advisory Member, Mentor, and Fluent Ktunaxa Speaker):
Voice of Dr. Violet Birdstone (Ktunaxa Language Speaker, Mentor, Researcher and UBC Doctor of Letters):
The initiative stems from the involvement of Aiyana Twigg in the working group, which was formed in 2022 to advance efforts in Canada in alignment with the Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) declared by the United Nations. When Aiyana Twigg, who is Ktunaxa on her mother’s side and Blackfoot registered blood tribe (Treaty 7 territory) on her father’s side, joined the group, her Indigenous language, Ktunaxa, had only 20 fluent speakers. With support from Barbara Filion (Programme Officer, Culture at CCUNESCO), Aiyana has undertaken several activities to raise awareness about the endangered status of her language across Canada and internationally, including participating at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, presenting at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and developing a toolkit on Indigenous language documentation published by CCUNESCO.
In discussing with the other Indigenous language advocates, learners and leaders of CCUNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages Working Group, the idea was born for the group’s identity to mirror its mission and for the name to spotlight the Ktunaxa language. Aiyana and Barbara reached out to the Traditional Knowledge and Language Sector of the Ktunaxa Nation Council to explore the idea of a working group name in the Ktunaxa language. Protocol and process discussions followed, and it was agreed that Elders from six Ktunaxa communities would be engaged in discussions about possible names.
The inclusion of our elders and language speakers in this conversation honors the significance of including Indigenous voices to achieve the shared goal of the Indigenous Languages Working Group, to preserve and perpetuate not only our Ktunaxa language, but all Indigenous languages across Canada. During this process, we sought out representation from each Ktunaxa First Nation and our sister Tribes in the United States to participate. Gifting of the name Hakiⱡkini k̓iⱡkiⱡwiy ka·kⱡukaqwaⱡaʔis is a meaningful way to share that the Ktunaxa language is a language isolate that is critically endangered. This also serves as a gesture to show how deep and meaningful the relationship is between the Ktunaxa and CCUNESCO.
– Dr. Violet Birdstone - Ktunaxa Language Speaker, Mentor, Researcher and UBC Doctor of Letters
It is a profound honour for our working group to receive the name Hakiⱡkini k̓iⱡkiⱡwiy ka·kⱡukaqwaⱡaʔis from the Ktunaxa Nation. This name beautifully captures the heart of our working group’s mission and emphasizes that Indigenous languages are not only systems of communication—they are living expressions of worldviews, cultures and ancestral knowledges. They carry spiritual meaning, connecting people to their territories, to each other and to generations past and future. We are deeply grateful to the Ktunaxa Elders and communities for their generosity and trust. This gift strengthens our collective commitment to supporting Indigenous languages across Turtle Island and beyond, and we carry it forward with great respect and responsibility.
– Barbara Filion, Programme Officer for Culture, Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The announcement is being made to coincide with WAVES 2025, an Indigenous languages summit held in Ottawa (August 11–14) organized by the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, with which the Canadian Commission for UNESCO is a partner. A celebration of the naming will take place on August 12, at the Rogers Centre, in the space dedicated to CCUNESCO programming at WAVES 2025.
About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Through its networks and partners, the Commission promotes UNESCO’s values, priorities and programs in Canada and brings the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage. Its activities are guided by the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other UNESCO priorities. CCUNESCO operates under the authority of the Canada Council for the Arts.
About Ktunaxa Nation Council
Ktunaxa (pronounced ‘k-too-nah-ha’) people have occupied the lands adjacent to the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers and the Arrow Lakes of British Columbia, Canada, for more than 10,000 years. The Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC) is directed by leadership from four Ktunaxa First Nations: ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation, ʔaq̓am,yaqannuʔkiy and Yaq̓itʔa·knuqⱡi‘it.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Declerck
Public Affairs Advisor
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
343-543-9205
kate.declerck@ccunesco.ca
Elora McCormack
Executive Assistant
Ktunaxa Nation Council
TKLEA@ktunaxa.org