Carrying Language and Culture Forward at Salish Kootenai College

At Salish Kootenai College, the Séliš and Ql̓ispé Culture and Language Studies (CALS) Department is helping carry language and culture forward for the next generation. Developed in response to community priorities and the loss of fluent speakers, its programs prepare future language teachers, cultural leaders, and advocates who will continue this important work in schools and communities across the Flathead Reservation.

Headwaters Foundation supports this effort through our Family Power Fund, which invests in organizations helping youth, parents, and caregivers strengthen their voice and leadership in the systems that shape their lives. At Salish Kootenai College, that includes culturally grounded language education, leadership development, and community learning opportunities that help young people and families deepen their connection to language, culture, and community.

In the video below, faculty, students, and community members share how the CALS Department and Native Language Teacher Education (NLTE) program are strengthening identity, creating a sense of belonging, and preparing the next generation to carry language and culture into the future.

This film was funded by Headwaters Foundation and created by Lara Tomov of Stories for Action and local journalist Robyn Wayne in partnership with students and teachers at Salish Kootenai College. Thank you to everyone who generously shared your time, stories, and knowledge.