This article includes a list of general
references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding
inline citations. (November 2017) |
Regions with significant populations | |
---|---|
Canada | ( British Columbia) |
United States | ( Washington) |
Languages | |
English, Saanich | |
Religion | |
Christianity, Animism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Coast Salish |
People | W̱SÁNEĆ |
---|---|
Language | SENĆOŦEN |
Country | ÁLEṈENEȻ (TŦE W̱SÁNEĆ) [1] [2] [3] |
The Saanich or W̱sáneć ( Saanich:W̱SÁNEĆ, [xʷˈsenət͡ʃ], Xwsenəč) are indigenous nations from the north coast of the Gulf and San Juan Islands, southern Vancouver Island and the southern edge of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia.
Four of the Saanich First Nations, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tseycum and Tsawout, created the ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ Tribal School in 1989. It holds classes from preschool to grade 10, with classes for adults in the adult centre next door to the high school where SENĆOŦEN, the W̱SÁNEĆ language, and W̱SÁNEĆ culture are taught along with the provincial curriculum. The school is also a venue for community events. [5]
ÁLEṈENEȻ means "homeland" in the SENĆOŦEN language.