Gwich'in language symposium was 'good medicine,' says organizer

A five-day symposium on the Gwich'in language was held last week near Inuvik, N.W.T. The week was one of storytelling, sharing knowledge, and traditional activities like fish cutting and fiddling.

5-day symposium was held at Gwich'in Wellness Camp near Inuvik last week

Dez Loreen · CBC News · Posted: Jun 30, 2025 8:44 PM EDT | Last Updated: July 1

A group of people seated in a room, with a man standing at the centre with a microphone. — Gwich’in Council International board member Sam Alexander introducing an immersion circle at a Gwich'in language symposium near Inuvik, N.W.T., last week. Fluent Gwich'in speakers were given a topic to discuss in Dinjii Zhuh K’yą̨̀ą/Dinjii Zhuh K’yų̀ų. Here, the topic was childrearing and rites of passage. (Gwich'in Council International)

A five-day symposium on the Gwich'in language wrapped up this past Friday in the N.W.T.

Participants stayed at the newly renovated Gwich'in Wellness Camp located south of Inuvik. The gathering was hosted by the Gwich'in Council International (GCI), an eight-person board of volunteers who represent the N.W.T., Yukon and Alaska communities.

The week was one of storytelling, sharing knowledge, and traditional activities like fish cutting and fiddling.

Sharla Greenland, one of the directors on the GCI, said the event was a success from the board's perspective and from her own as well.

"In the closing circle I talked about what good medicine this has been," said Greenland.

People at a table outside cleaning fish. — Alice Vittrekwa, centre, demonstrated how to cut fish for making dryfish, while the process was narrated in Dinjii Zhuh K’yą̨̀ą/Dinjii Zhuh K’yų̀ų. (Gwich'in Council International)

She said that her mother passed away two years ago, and was a fluent Gwich'in speaker.

"It's just really great to hear it so much. I don't hear it as much as I have, so on a personal level that was so great," she said.

The board was able to record video of some of the participants who came from Alaska and Yukon to share stories in their languages. They also interviewed them about the culture and language.

"They are passionate about this ... It lit that fire in me to learn," she said.

Five women sitting on a chairs in a room, laughing. — Making connections and sharing laughs, from left to right: Gladys Alexie, Sharon Snowshoe, Alice Vittrekwa, Marion Schafer, and Annie Bernard. (Gwich'in Council International)

Participants drafted recommendations for the GCI to implement to help sustain the language. Greenland said the report will be presented to the board soon.

"The main one is we would like a nationwide working group to be created to host these types of events, as well as resource sharing and best practices, which will amplify our language across our nation," said Greenland.

Greenland said the path to reclaiming Indigenous languages starts at home.

"Reach out to your elders in your home community," she said.