The First Nations Education Foundation (FNEF) began its journey with the Haisla Nation in 2018, sparked by a shared vision between FNEF CEO Scott Jeary and Teresa Windsor of Haisla Language and Culture. What started as early conversation soon ignited into real momentum, culminating in the 2020 Rapid Word Collection gathering which is a powerful community-driven project that accelerated the work ahead.
Since then, FNEF has been honoured to walk alongside the Haisla Nation through deep, relationship-based language support. Collaborating closely with Haisla Elders and the Haisla Language & Culture Committee, the team has helped bring major language resources to life: an updated Haisla Dictionary, beautifully crafted Haisla–English stories, academic publications on x̄á’islak̓ala, and immersive audio read‑along materials that support learners of all ages.
MA Linguistics, University of Oregon
For six years, Larry has supported Haisla language revitalization, beginning with the 2020 Rapid Word Collection. A long‑time instructor at the Canada Institute of Linguistics, he brings more than 25 years of experience building online talking dictionaries and advancing Indigenous language revitalization across many communities.
MA Linguistics, Trinity Western University
Chuck is a creative and dedicated Wakashan language specialist. His six years of service to the Haisla Nation have centered on meaningful relationships with Elders and providing expert linguistic guidance that strengthens and uplifts Haisla language work.
MA Linguistics, Trinity Western University
Raised in Port Hardy, Jonathan brings firsthand Northwest Coast knowledge to his work. A specialist in Wakashan languages, he supports Haisla, Kwak’wala, Interior Salish, and Xai’xais language initiatives. For over five years, he has contributed his expertise to the Haisla Nation with care and commitment.
BSc Mathematics, Certificate in Community Language Planning, University of Alberta
From Délı̨nę in the Northwest Territories, Andrew blends personal experience in language and cultural learning with technical and programming skills. His work supports the technological foundations needed for stronger, more accessible language revitalization tools.
BA Communications, Simon Fraser University
Will is the lead programmer and visionary behind FNEF’s Language Cloud and its suite of language learning applications. For more than three years, he has worked closely with the Haisla Nation to build digital tools that help learners connect with x̄á’islak̓ala.
BA Communications/Linguistics, Portland State University
A photographer and writer, Kim brings a deep sense of gratitude to her work documenting Haisla Elders and knowledge keepers. She describes it as inspiring and thrilling to witness the resurgence of x̄á’islak̓ala and to meet the next generation of speakers who will carry it forward.