Nkwusm

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About N usm For the last 5 years, N usm has lead the way in Salish language revitalization in young people. The 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization, N usm, operates the Snqwiiqwo Salish immersion pre-school and primary school. There were 35 students ages of 3 -11 enrolled during the 2005-2006 school year. N usm 's mission is to recreate a process whereby the language is passed from parent to child as once was common. The immersion school has expanded from a single classroom with only preschool children to multiple classrooms and children into primary school. N usm is seeking funding to implement an adult immersion and teacher training program. All development is located in the Flathead Reservation. The Flathead Indian Reservation is located within the boundaries of northwestern Montana. It is the home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The tribes became members of the Confederacy through the treaty of Hellgate in 1855 with the US government. The upper Pend d'Oreilles made their homelands in Camas Prairie and St. Ignatius areas. They shared hunting grounds to the north with the Kootenais. The Salish were removed from their homeland in the Bitterroot valley after a long, bitter struggle. Although the past has been a long struggle for our parents, grandparents, and ancestors, the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai cultures and traditions have survived and hope to be stronger in the future. The Salish language is currently spoken by less than 58 people, most of whom are over 65 years old. There are no fluent Salish speakers under 20. N usm assists the community to ensure the continuation of the language by strengthening the work of the Salish Immersion School, the only comprehensive Salish language program in the world. The objectives of N usm are to increase the number and quality of materials available to teach the Salish language for primary students by creating a complete curriculum with materials and activities for the primary grades; increase the number of speakers through community participation in school activities and programs and the school's participation in community activities; increase the fluency of Salish speakers through participation in the school and the school's outreach programs; and ultimately recreating the process whereby the Salish language is passed from parent to child. The voices of the past do not need to haunt the future. Instead, let the voices of the past become the voices of tomorrow. N usm 's journey to a new future is one that can only succeed with the involvement and assistance of the community. It is not a road that can be traveled by just one. Indeed, it is a trail that requires the talents, skills, wisdom, energies and understanding of all people. By coming together, those who value the Salish language and culture can take control of the future. This is a journey of the whole. The final destination is one beyond our imaginations, someplace between here, there and forever.