Our language
Sim’algax̱ / Sm’algya̲x
Sim’algax̱ is the language of the four major clans of the Nass River and Skeena River Peoples. It means “the real language.” Sim’algax̱ has many regional variations, spoken throughout the Nass and Skeena River valleys and along parts of the coast. Many positive efforts are being made by the three deeply connected Sim’algax̱-speaking Nations, the Nisg̱a’a, Gitxsan, and Ts’msyen, to preserve their unique ancestral language and customs. Sm’algya̲x, spoken by the Ts’msyen, is one of the regional dialects of Sim’algax̱.
Samantha is both Nisg̱a’a and Ts’msyen, so you will see words from both languages woven throughout her books.
Sim’algax̱ is the language of the four major clans of the Nass River and Skeena River Peoples. It means “the real language.” Sim’algax̱ has many regional variations, spoken throughout the Nass and Skeena River valleys and along parts of the coast. Many positive efforts are being made by the three deeply connected Sim’algax̱-speaking Nations, the Nisg̱a’a, Gitxsan, and Ts’msyen, to preserve their unique ancestral language and customs. Sm’algya̲x, spoken by the Ts’msyen, is one of the regional dialects of Sim’algax̱.
Samantha is both Nisg̱a’a and Ts’msyen, so you will see words from both languages woven throughout her books.
Oolichan Moon:
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)
Celebrating Potlatches:
- 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