The Yinka Dene Language Institute (YDLI) is an organization based in Stoney Creek, British Columbia, whose purpose is the study and maintenance of the language and culture of

Dakelh The Dakelh (pronounced ) or Carrier are a First Nations in Canada, First Nations Indigenous peoples of the Americas, Indigenous people living a large portion of the British Columbia Interior, Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The Dakel ...

and other

First Nations First nations are indigenous settlers or bands. First Nations, first nations, or first peoples may also refer to: Indigenous groups *List of Indigenous peoples *First Nations in Canada, Indigenous peoples of Canada who are neither Inuit nor Mé ...

people in northern British Columbia.

History

It was founded in 1988 by the

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (familiarly known as CSTC) is a tribal council representing six First Nations in the Central Interior of British Columbia. It was originally known as the ''Lakes District Tribal Council''. The CSTC was incorporated ...

, the

College of New Caledonia A college (Latin: ''collegium'') may be a tertiary educational institution (sometimes awarding degrees), part of a collegiate university, an institution offering vocational education, a further education institution, or a secondary sc ...

, School District 55 Burns Lake, School District 56 Nechako and School District 28 Quesnel. The late Mary John, Sr. was one of the founders of YDLI and was Permanent Honorary Chair until her death in 2004. Grand Chief Edward John was instrumental in the founding of YDLI and served as its first president. The

University of Northern British Columbia The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a university serving the northern region of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The main campus is located in Prince George, with additional campuses located in Prince Rupert, Terrace, ...

joined in 1995, and in 2000, School District 91 Nechako Lakes, formed by the merger of Districts 55 and 56, withdrew from the Institute.

Governance

YDLI is governed by a board of trustees of whom the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council appoints six, the Elders' Council three, and the other members two each. The current members are the

, the

, School District 28, and the

Activities

YDLI's activities include research, archiving, teacher training and production of educational and reference materials.

References

External links

The Yinka Déné Language Institute
(YDLI)

(YDLI)

(YDLI)
Facebook page
Education in British Columbia Dakelh Native American language revitalization {{BritishColumbia-stub First Nations organizations in British Columbia Indigenous peoples in British Columbia Cultural organizations based in Canada