Indigenous Language Proficiency & Revitalization

W̱¸SENĆOŦEN¸ISTW̱

"Moving the language forward through the breath of the people."

The W̱¸SENĆOŦEN¸ISTW̱ learning pathway is grounded in the ongoing revitalization of SENĆOŦEN within the W̱SÁNEĆ community. It supports learners to grow as SENĆOŦEN speakers while deepening their understanding of the responsibilities, relationships, and teachings carried within the language. Language learning is approached not only as skill-building, but as a living practice tied to land, water, culture, and community. 

Admission Requirement

C+ in English 12
(or equivalent)

Credential

Certificate, Diploma, Degree options

Length

Certificate - 10 months
Diploma - 2 years
Degree - 4 years

Study Options

Full-time

Start Date

September 2026

Please note that the W̱¸SENĆOŦEN¸ISTW̱ program is being offered by the University of Victoria at W̱SÁNEĆ College.
Students can apply by connecting with us directly.

Program Overview

The W̱¸SENĆOŦEN¸ISTW̱ Indigenous Language Proficiency learning pathway is grounded in the ongoing revitalization of SENĆOŦEN within the W̱SÁNEĆ community. It supports learners to grow as SENĆOŦEN speakers while deepening their understanding of the responsibilities, relationships, and teachings carried within the language. Language learning is approached not only as skill-building, but as a living practice tied to land, culture, and community. 

Offered through the Department of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria, this learning pathway is brought into W̱SÁNEĆ territory and shaped by local knowledge holders, fluent speakers, and community priorities. Learning happens in relationship - with each other, with the land, and with the language itself - through immersive, communicative, and culturally grounded experiences. Learners are supported to carry SENĆOŦEN forward in ways that honour its teachings and contribute to its strength for future generations. 

Credential Options

This learning pathway includes certificate, diploma, and degree options in Indigenous Language Proficiency and Indigenous Language Revitalization. Each credential builds on the next, creating a pathway that supports learners at different stages in their language journey and ongoing commitment to the language. 

Please Note: Courses within these programs may change from year to year in response to community needs, instructor availability, curriculum development, new learning opportunities, partnership initiatives, and other factors. W̱SÁNEĆ College continually works with community, Elders, language holders, and educational partners to ensure programs remain relevant, responsive, and grounded in W̱SÁNEĆ values and priorities.

*In a full-time delivery (four courses per term), students must be prepared to spend a minimum of 160 hours per term of time in class, or in immersive language situations. Each self-directive and mentorship courses require 75-100 hours of immersive language-learning each term.

Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency (CILP)

The 10-month Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency supports the creation of new adult speakers of SENĆOŦEN through community-based, culturally grounded language learning. Grounded in W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge, teachings, and relationships to land and waters, the program develops communicative language skills through culturally meaningful and community-based learning experiences.

Offered through the Department of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria, each delivery is co-designed and administered in partnership with the W̱SÁNEĆ community, drawing on the expertise of Elders, language holders, and community educators. The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone credential or ladder into the Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization.

CILP Curriculum & CoursesAll of:
IED 156 - Self Directed Immersive Language Learning I (1.5 units)
IED 157 - Supporting Indigenous Language Mentorship (1.5 units)
IED 158 - Indigenous Language Mentorship I (1.5 units)
IED 158 - Indigenous Language Mentorship II (1.5 units)
IED 159 - Indigenous Language I (1.5 units)
IED 159 - Indigenous Language II (1.5 units)
IED 159 - Indigenous Language III (1.5 units)
IED 182 - Language Learning, Language Revitalization & Social Action (1.5 units)
IED 187 - Reconciling with Water (1.5 units)
LING 181 - Intro Linguistics for Language Revitalization (1.5 units)

One additional course:
IED Special Topics (1.5 units)

Total units: 16.5

Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization (DILR)

The two-year Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization supports learners in strengthening their SENĆOŦEN language proficiency while deepening their understanding of language revitalization, community-based language planning, and Indigenous language teaching. Grounded in W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge, values, and ways of learning, the program prepares students to contribute to the ongoing revitalization and transmission of SENĆOŦEN within their communities.

Delivered through a community-based partnership model, students move through the program as a cohort and engage in language-specific learning that reflects local priorities and expertise. The diploma can be completed as a stand-alone credential or serve as a pathway into the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language Proficiency or the Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization and teacher certification. 

DILR Curriculum & CoursesPrerequisite: Completion of the Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency (CILP) program (16.5 units).

DILR Program Courses (16.5 units)
IED 256 - Self Directed Language Learning (1.5 units)
IED 258 - Indigenous Language Mentorship I (1.5 units)
IED 259A - Indigenous Language II (1.5 units)
IED 259B - Indigenous Language III (1.5 units)
IED 359A - Indigenous Language III (1.5 units)
IED 359B - Indigenous Language Learning IV (1.5 units)
IED 287 - Special Topics I (1.5 units)
IED 287 - Special Topics II (1.5 units)
IED 251 - Indigenous Language Teaching and Learning Practicum (1.5 units)
ATWP 135 - Academic Reading and Writing (1.5 units)
ENSH 266 - W̱SÁNEĆ Storytelling Field School (1.5 units)

Alternative Course Option
IED 387 - SENĆOŦEN Grammar (1.5 units) - available to students who have already completed ATWP 135 or equivalent. 

Program Total
CILP: 16.5 units
DILR: 16.5 units
Total: 33 units

Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language Proficiency (BAILP)

The Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language Proficiency is the final two years of a four-year degree pathway, building on the Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization. This two-year program supports learners in advancing their SENĆOŦEN language fluency while strengthening their understanding of Indigenous language revitalization, leadership, and community engagement. Students deepen their knowledge and skills to support the ongoing transmission, growth, and sustainability of Indigenous languages within their communities.

Grounded in W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge, values, and ways of learning, students engage in advanced language study alongside courses in Indigenous research, language planning, curriculum development, and community-based language initiatives. Through culturally grounded and community-connected learning, graduates are prepared to support language revitalization efforts and serve as leaders, mentors, and advocates for future generations of SENĆOŦEN speakers.

BAILP Curriculum & CoursesPrerequisite: Completion of the Diploma in Indigenous Language Revitalization (DILR) program (33 units).

Year Three
IED 359A - Indigenous Language III (1.5 units)
IED 359B - Indigenous Language III (1.5 units)
IED 358A - Indigenous Language Mentorship III (1.5 units)
IED 358B - Indigenous Language Mentorship III (1.5 units)
IED 356A - Self Directed Immersive Language Learning III (1.5 units)
IED 356B - Self Directed Immersive Language Learning III (1.5 units)
IED 326 - Resource Development Internship (1.5 units)
IED 300 - Knowledge Sharing in Community (1.5 units)
ES 381 - Ethnoecology (1.5 units)
IED 323 - Creative and Constructive Language Sharing (1.5 units)
IED 371 - History of Indigenous Education (1.5 units)

Year Four
IED 426 - Resource Development (1.5 units)
IED 428 - Creative Constructive Sharing (1.5 units)
IED 450 - Individual Capstone Project (1.5 units)
IED 456 - Self Directed Immersive Language Learning IV (1.5 units)
IED 456 - Self Directed Language Learning V (1.5 units)
IED 458A - Indigenous Language Mentorship (1.5 units)
IED 458B - Indigenous Language Mentorship (1.5 units)
IED 459A - Indigenous Language (1.5 units)
IED 459B - Indigenous Language (1.5 units)
IED 399 - SENĆOŦEN Resources (1.5 units)
IED 338 - Language Curriculum Development (1.5 units)

Program Total
DILR: 33 units
BAILP: 33 units
Total: 66 units

The W̱,SENĆOŦEN,ISTW̱ Indigenous Language Proficiency & Revitalization programs are offered by the University of Victoria in partnership with W̱SÁNEĆ College. Through this partnership, students can access supports and services from both institutions.

Ready to begin your journey?
We're here to support you every step of the way.

W̱SÁNEĆ College
P.O. Box. 368
7449 W Saanich Rd
Brentwood Bay, BC
V8M 1R3