KWI AWT STELMEXW PO Box East Hastings, Vancouver, BC, V5K 5G6

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1 TEMSTL I7 TA SNICHM Adult Immersion Program Follow these four steps to apply to the Adult Immersion Program Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Read the Program Guidelines for information about the purpose of the program, who should apply, program timeline, application assessment process and criteria, and other details. Read the Important Information section. If you still have questions about the program or the application process, contact Kwi Awt Stelmexw as indicated below. Study for and complete the Oral Admissions Exam (see Appendix B). Complete all sections of the attached application form. Be sure to use the Checklist (Part E of the form) to confirm that you have completed all relevant sections of the form and have included all required support material. The purpose of Kwi Awt Stelmexw is to strengthen all aspects of Squamish heritage, language, culture, and art, and we welcome applications from all people, although priority selection will be given to applicants with Squamish ancestry. Deadline: March 18, 2016 Your completed application form and all required support material must be received electronically or in-hand by March 18, 2016, at 5pm. Contact Information: Khelsilem Adult Immersion Program Director Kwi Awt Stelmexw PO Box East Hastings Street Vancouver, B.C., V5K 5G6 Khelsielm@KwiAwtStelmexw.com Page 1

2 PROGRAM GUIDELINES Mandate of Organization Kwi Awt Stelmexw is a registered non-profit based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kwi Awt Stelmexw is governed by registered members who bi-annually elect a volunteer Board of Directors who implement the organization s vision and purpose. Kwi Awt Stelmexw is a community-based organization of the Squamish Peoples whose purpose is to strengthen all aspects of Squamish heritage, language, culture, and art. Program Description The Temstl i7 ta Snichim Program is a two-year Squamish language immersion program for adults. It is taught by two instructors for 30 hours/week, and typically operates over four university semesters (two semesters per year - September to December, and January to April). Participants of the program will complete 960 contact hours of language instruction each year, primarily taught exclusively in the Squamish Language. The program, in partnership with Simon Fraser University s First Nations Language Centre and the Department of Linguistics*, offers students a First Nations Language Proficiency Certificate from the university after completing four semesters of the program (Year 1 and Year 2). Temstl i7 ta Snichim occurs annually with new cohorts of Year 1 students admitted each year. Currently, applications are only open for Year 1 programming, with plans to launch the Year 2 program in *subject to funding. Program Objectives The long-term objective of the Temstl i7 ta Snichim Program is to contribute to the successful revitalization of the Squamish Language by providing participants with the opportunity to become fluent speakers with the ability to pass the language on to future generations. The objectives for Year 1 of the program are: Increase proficiency and fluency in the Squamish Language among participants, from complete beginner Page 2

3 to high intermediate levels. Provide participants with a deeper understanding of, and connection to, Squamish culture and heritage through the language. Provide participants with an opportunity to begin or continue post-secondary education and receive an accredited Certificate. Demonstrate the effectiveness of specific immersion methods in the revitalization of threatened languages, sharing evidence and lessons learned with others engaged in Indigenous language education. Specific language objectives for Year 1 include that participants will be able to: Converse with fluent speakers on a number of subjects involving common situations and events (for example, describing family and friends, physical appearance, community, mental state, aches and pains, location, age, children, marital situation, personal possessions, and the weather) Describe people and objects, where and how they are located, their ownership, colour, and number. Talk about all these situations in the past, present, and future. Name common local, regional, and world place names. Reach an advanced-low to advanced-high level on the ACTFL proficiency scale. Eligibility (Note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will be selected for the adult immersion program. We encourage those who are not selected for the current year to apply again in following years.) It is strongly recommended that potential applicants speak to the Program Director to confirm their eligibility before submitting their application. Eligibility Requirements Applicants to this program must be Indigenous or parenting (or potentially parenting) children with Indigenous ancestry. Priority will be given to those with Squamish ancestry. Page 3

4 Applicants do not need to be members of the Squamish Nation to apply. Kwi Awt Stelmexw defines Indigenous peoples as the original peoples, or descendants of the original peoples, of North America and elsewhere who have been impacted by settler-colonial conquest and empire. This can include status or non-status Indians. Priority will be given to those under the age of 50, although exceptions will be made in special circumstances. Applicants must show a commitment to, or interest in, the Squamish language. The applicant must show that they understand the objectives of the program, and are willing to commit to full-time language study for the full duration of the program. Once accepted to the immersion program, students will also need to apply to Simon Fraser University, and their participation will be subject to SFU s admission requirements. Ineligible applicants Those with incomplete applications. Non-Indigenous applicants who are not currently parenting, or going to be parenting, children with Indigenous ancestry (particularly Coast Salish ancestry). Funding For First Nations students to receive monthly living allowances from their Nation while participating in the program, they must often be registered in a full-time program at a recognized university. This program will be a full-time program with four courses per semester, and accredited through Simon Fraser University. Students chosen to be in the adult immersion program will be registered as full-time students with Simon Fraser University. Many First Nations have post-secondary funding programs that provide living allowances and tuition fees to full-time students. It is highly recommended that applicants contact the Education Coordinator for Post Secondary Students at their First Nation or First Nation organization about funding requirements, policies, and deadlines. Page 4

5 Participants of the program will be required to have the tuition fees covered by their First Nation, or pay the fees themselves. Funding application deadlines for each First Nation will vary. There are also many scholarships that selected students may be eligible to apply for through their First Nation or other entities. Kwi Awt Stelmexw is also creating its own scholarship fund to support students who are unable to pay the tuition fees. More details to be released in the coming months. Assessment of Applications Assessment process The Adult Immersion Program offered by Kwi Awt Stelmexw will admit a maximum of 15 participants. Those interested in participating in the program are required to submit an application including all required supporting material. Each application will be reviewed by the designated program staff and two special advisors with backgrounds and experience in teaching the Squamish language. All assessment panel recommendations are final. The application submission deadline is Friday, March 18, 2016 at 5pm and the assessment panel will make a final decision by March 25, Assessment process Decisions will be based on the general merit of the application, compared with that of all other eligible applications in this competition. The panel will base its application review on the assessment criteria listed below: Highly motivated. Displays passion for the program objectives. Demonstrates commitment and determination. Includes a vision/plan for future language use. The information you submit through your application and supporting documents will be used to make the assessment. Priorities After the applications have been assessed as described above, Page 5

6 the assessment panel will list applications recommended in priority order. Where there are applications of equal merit, the panel will take into consideration: Potential for language knowledge to be used in the home with children. Potential pathways to becoming a language teacher. Immediate family involvement or partnerships (parents, siblings, children, nieces, nephews, etc.). Processing Applications Application preparation You are responsible for providing all of the information and support material requested. Kwi Awt Stelmexw will make decisions about your eligibility based on the information you provide in your application. Submit only the material requested. Extra material will not be shown to the assessment panel. Carefully choose your support material as committee members have limited time in which to study each application. Do not submit originals. Kwi Awt Stelmexw is not responsible for the loss or damage of support material submitted. It is important to inform Kwi Awt Stelmexw of any changes to your contact information. Format and layout The application and all support materials should be submitted with the following specifications: printed on one side only on separate sheets of white paper (letter format, 8.5x11 inches) with a black font size of 11 points or larger with paper clips (documents cannot be bound, placed under plastic, or stapled). without unusual formatting that may make documents hard to read. Acknowledgement of receipt Kwi Awt Stelmexw will send you a notice acknowledging that your application has been received. It does not confirm that your application is eligible. Response time Page 6

7 You will be informed of the result of your application within seven days of the application deadline. You will be contacted by . Checklist Contact Please check to ensure the following is prepared for application submission: Completed adult immersion program application form (see below) Two (2) reference letters from non-family members in support of your application. Completed and passed Kwi Awt Stelmexw Oral Admissions Test If you have questions, please contact us at: Kwi Awt Stelmexw PO Box 57145, East Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C., V5K 5G Page 7

8 APPLICATION Adult Immersion Program The information that you provide from this point onward will be submitted to the peer assessment committee. Kwi Awt Stelmexw requires only one copy of the application form. Do not bind your completed application form. Instead, use paperclips to hold the pages together. If you are completing your form on a computer, use the format of this document. A.) Identification of Applicant: Name: Address: Street and apartment or suite number City Province Postal Code Telephone (residence) Telephone (business) Page 8

9 B.) Declaration Please identify as one of the following: Indigenous (Status Indian) Indigenous (Non-Status) Non-Indigenous If you selected Indigenous (Status Indian), please name the First Nation where registered: To be eligible for consideration, you must sign below to confirm your agreement with all of the following statements: As an applicant and potential participant in the adult immersion program hosted by Kwi Awt Stelmexw in partnership with Simon Fraser University, I have carefully read the eligibility criteria for this program, which are described in the application guidelines, and confirm that I meet the eligibility criteria. I accept the conditions of the program and agree to abide by Kwi Awt Stelmexw s decision. I confirm that the statements in this application are complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge. Name of applicant (print) Date Signature Page 9

10 B.) Application 1.) Why are you motivated to join this program and become a speaker of the Squamish language? (700 word minimum) 2.) Please tell us about your experience, demonstrating dedication and commitment in work, school, or other projects: (500 word minimum) Page 10

11 3.) What are your goals for using the language speaking skills gained after the completion of this program? (700 word minimum) Page 11

12 APPENDIX A -- Reference Letter Template Below is a template Reference Letter. You are required to submit two reference letters from a non-immediate family member. For example, past teachers, employers, youth workers, clients, or mentors may submit a reference letter on your behalf. Feel free to adjust this template as desired for your application. Date: From: Name Address To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to provide this letter in support of the application of (name of applicant) for the Squamish language immersion program. I have known for (length of time) in the capacity of, and would like to comment on their/his/her accomplishments as follows: (Provide your opinion of the applicant s accomplishments and dedication to their work. In your judgment, how will the applicant benefit should they be selected for the immersion program?) Based on the above, I recommend that the Kwi Awt Stelmexw adult immersion program assessment panel give this applicant its positive consideration. Sincerely, Signature of supporter Telephone Page 12

13 APPENDIX B - Oral Admissions Test To be considered by the review panel for the 2016/2017 Adult Immersion Program, an applicant must complete and pass the Oral Admission Test. The Oral Admissions Test exists to determine if: A. an applicant is able and committed to self-study, and, B. willing to complete assigned language learning tasks. To successfully pass the test, an applicant must score 75% or higher on the test. The oral test is a non-written and non-reading test. Applicants can review the Oral Admissions Test Lesson and view the lesson video on our website. To book a testing appointment, please contact Kwi Awt Stelmexw at or by phone at Applicants can re-take the test as many times as needed before the program application deadline on March 18th, 2016 at 5pm. The Oral Admissions Test will be a one-on-one oral interview where the applicant is asked to translate the following sentences from English to Squamish: and 1. I like you. ( Chen ha7lhs tumi.) 2. I like him/her. ( Chen ha7lhs t.) 3. I like you all. ( Chen ha7lhs tumiyap.) 4. You like me. ( Chexw ha7lhs ts.) 5. You like him/her. ( Chexw ha7lhs t.) 6. He/she likes you. ( Ha7lhs tumi.) 7. He/she likes me. ( Ha7lhs ts as.) 8. He/she likes you all. ( Ha7lhs tumiyap.) DOER ACTION RECEIVER Page 13

14 1. I hold you. ( Chen íp is tumi.) 2. I hold him/her. ( Chen íp is t.) 3. I hold you all. ( Chen íp is tumiyap.) 4. You hold me. ( Chexw íp is ts.) 5. You hold him/her. ( Chexw íp is t.) 6. He/she holds you. ( Íp is tumi.) 7. He/she holds me. ( Íp is ts as.) 8. He/she holds you all. ( Íp is tumiyap.) Suggestion: Write each word from the following lists onto flashcards and memorize each word. There are only 9 words and their orders that need to be learned to pass this test. View the Admissions Test Lesson video on our website to ensure memorization of the correct pronunciation. This test will only include the verbs: ha7lhs [like (something)] and íp is [hold (something)], and the following lists. I You Chen Chexw He/She -as You You all. Me -tumi -tumiyap -ts He/She -t Page 14

15 APPENDIX C -- Checklist: KWI AWT STELMEXW Check and ensure that all the following documents are completed and ready to submit. Completed adult immersion program application form. Two (2) reference letters from non-family members in support of your application. Completed and passed Kwi Awt Stelmexw Oral Admissions Test As an applicant and potential participant in the adult immersion program hosted by Kwi Awt Stelmexw in partnership with Simon Fraser University, I confirm all of the above has been completed and is included. Name of applicant (print) Date Signature Page 15