Vancouver Island University is honouring a group of Haida Elders for their dedication to preserve and revitalize HlGaagilda Xaayda Kil, the Skidegate dialect of the Haida language.
The nine Elders created the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (SHIP) in 1998 and have gathered five days week, 10 months a year to remembers and record the language for future generations.
With an average age of 84, the elders have translated and produced over 200 CD-ROMS, developed an app with 2,000 worlds and 500 phrases, and created a variety of educational resources, including lesson plans and children’s books.
VIU is presenting Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to Gaayinguuhlas (Roy Jones), Yang K’aalas (Grace Jones), Ildagwaay (Bea Harley), Taalgyaa’adad (Betty Richardson), Jiixa (Gladys Vandal) Sing.giduu (Laura Jormanainen), SGaanajaadsk’yaagaxiigangs (Kathleen Hans), Niis Waan (Harvey Williams) and GwaaGanad (Diane Brown).
