Welcome to Lesson Plans, Classroom Resources, and Pronunciation Supports These materials are organized by book and designed to support meaningful classroom learning.
- Sim'algax̱, Sm'algya̱x, and Gitxsanimaax are three distinct but deeply related ancestral languages spoken by the Nisg̱a'a, Ts'msyen, and Gitxsan peoples. Sim'algax̱ is the Nisg̱a'a language. Sm'algya̱x is the Ts'msyen language. Both names carry the same meaning: "the real language." Gitxsanimaax is the Gitxsan language, spoken in two regional dialects, Giigeenix (up river) and Gyeets (down river).
- These three Nations are neighbours, connected by the rivers that run through their territories. The Nisg̱a'a are the people of the Nass River. The Gitxsan are the people of the upper Skeena River. The Ts'msyen are the people of the lower Skeena River and the coast. Within each Nation and each community, you will find regional variation in the language. Different pronunciations, different expressions, all part of the same living root.
- Throughout these guides, you will see Sim'algax̱ and Sm'algya̱x words woven into the lessons and activities. I am both Nisg̱a'a and Ts'msyen, so words from both languages appear here, the way our peoples always have. Related, distinct, and connected.
I hope these lessons and resources are helpful wherever learning is taking place.
Hamburger Soup
Pronunciation and Language
To hear Sim’algax̱ pronunciations, you may also visit the Nisg̱a’a Language and Culture website to explore the language further. The spelling in this story was carefully reviewed and supported by G̱alksi De’entkw (Peter Thomas McKay). It is and has been advised that our language itself explains its special spelling and pronunciation, and the recommended websites provide further guidance and support. This section has been prepared with care and respect.
To hear Sim’algax̱ pronunciations, you may also visit the Nisg̱a’a Language and Culture website to explore the language further. The spelling in this story was carefully reviewed and supported by G̱alksi De’entkw (Peter Thomas McKay). It is and has been advised that our language itself explains its special spelling and pronunciation, and the recommended websites provide further guidance and support. This section has been prepared with care and respect.
- G̱aaḵ: Raven
- G̱anada: Raven/Frog Clan
- Gibuu: Wolf
- Gisi-Diwaaxhl M̓aal: to row a canoe downstream / “Row, Row, Row Your Canoe”
- Hax: an expression of frustration
- Is: soap berries
- Jiji: granny
- ḵ'ayukws: smoke-dried fish fillets
- Lax̱gibuu: Wolf Clan
- Simg̱an: red cedar tree (also the grandson’s name in the story)
- T’ilx: oolichan oil
- Uuḵ: copper or brass
- Wilp: clan house
- Wilps Ax̱dii Wil Luug̱ooda: House of Plenty — Samantha and Kelsey’s Wilp
- Wiyitkw: to cry
- Ye’e: grandpa
Classroom Resources
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Additional Resources for Secondary and Post-Secondary Learners
- APTN News: Cree Subs Story (Enoch Cree Nation) — Featuring Hamburger Soup
- PDF of Traditional Métis Foods and Food Preparation (Barkwell, Hourie, Acco & Dorion), p. 18 — Bullet Soup and Its Similarity to Hamburger Soup
- Métis Hamburger Soup Recipe
- PDF: Dennis, Mary Kate, & Robin, Tabitha. “Healthy on Our Own Terms: Indigenous Wellbeing and the Colonized Food System.” Journal of Critical Dietetics, 2020. Use this article to show how colonial systems changed Indigenous diets and made store foods common. It helps explain modern meals like hamburger soup in historical context.
Oolichan Moon
Pronunciation and Language
Downloadable Materials Please click the words below to hear how Sam's cousin Elijah Willams pronounces these Nisga'a words from Oolichan Moon (media player will open in a new window):
Downloadable Materials Please click the words below to hear how Sam's cousin Elijah Willams pronounces these Nisga'a words from Oolichan Moon (media player will open in a new window):
- daada ( auntie)
- hlgutk'ilhgum hanak (little girl)
- Hoobiyee (Nisga'a New Year/The moon is out)
- hoon (fish)
- hlgiikw (a girl's or a woman's sister)
- hux̱wdaaḵ'inm hanak (granddaughter)
- nits'iits' / jiji (grandmother)
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Classroom Resources
Please click the links to download the PDF colouring sheets illustrated by Lucy Trimble |
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Additional Resources
Celebrating Potlatches
Pronunciation and Language
To hear Sm’algya̲x pronunciations, please visit the First Voices website and search “Adaawx” [ah-dow] and “Wii hoysga laxha sah gyawn.” or click the links below. Also, please visit Ts'msyen Culture to learn more.
To hear Sm’algya̲x pronunciations, please visit the First Voices website and search “Adaawx” [ah-dow] and “Wii hoysga laxha sah gyawn.” or click the links below. Also, please visit Ts'msyen Culture to learn more.
- Sm’algya̲x [sim-alg-yakh] is the language spoken by the Ts’msyen People.
- Adaawx [ah-dow]: the oldest form of oral history
- Wii hoysga laxha sah gyawn [wee hoy-ska la-ha seh geh-win]: it is the most beautiful day today
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Classroom Resources
Click the links to access the Grades K-1 and 2-3 lesson plans. |
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