PODCAST · society
kwu sneqsilxw
by Kwu Sneqsilxw
The kwu sneqsilxw podcast began on a cold November day in 2022, when nqilxcen language teacher Qwyqwayaxn Bent suggested we listen to an elder recording he made with his Uncle Thomas. Thomas told the story of how when he and his siblings were young they wanted to be cowboys but they didn't have any horses, so they had to break their own wild horses by a process known as "fore footing." The rest of the language team was so moved by this story that we decided to share it. Now this elder story and many other stories and ancient teachings from Okanagan elders are available to everyone through this very podcast. It's okay if you don't know the Okanagan language, Qwyqwayaxn's co-worker Skukulalq is also along for the ride. Skukulalq is an intermediate language learner who is here to learn and share his language journey as well. Both uncles are happy to help interpret these elder recordings and keep the Okanagan language alive. We're happy that you're hear to listen as well. Please enjoy
Episodes
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Levi and Sterling
Levi Bent and Sterling Peterson get together to talk about language learning, teaching and what it means to be Sqilxw in 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2026 SALISH CONFERENCE - NSYILXCEN ONLY - Part 5
In our fifth podcast at the 2026 Salish Language conference, we interview movie star Stipn Smallsalmon and Jessie Isadore from the Flathead nation in Montana. While the language is quite different, we focus on the similarities and how many of the words are the same or very similar in both…
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2026 SALISH CONFERENCE - NSYILXCEN ONLY - Part 4
In our fourth episode from the 2026 Salish Conference, we interview stllaqssn from Kalispel to talk about the language, learning and who we are - all in nsyilxcen. Thank you for the support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2026 SALISH CONFERENCE - NSYILXCEN ONLY - Part 3
This is the third fully nsyilxcen podcast we completed at the 2026 Salish Language Conference. We are taking part in this project to make nsyilxcen conversations more accessible to everyone. Thank you for support us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2026 SALISH CONFERENCE - NSYILXCEN ONLY - Part 1
This year's Salish Language Conference podcast is strictly in nsyilxcen. We are podcasting with language speakers in an effort to provide recordings of nqilxwcn conversations. Thank you for supporting us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2026 SALISH CONFERENCE - NSYILXCEN ONLY - Part 2
For the 2026 Salish Language Conference we are podcasting with language speakers in nsyilxcen. This is to provide digital nqilxwcn conversations for language speakers and those learning the language. Thank you for your support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dreams, Good Meat, and Comic Books
In our latest episode, we meet with Maria Derickson (Skwekwusnt Sxwult) to talk about the meaning of her Indigenous name, the movie Predator, growing up in Argentina and a range of other topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What We Do & Current Projects
In this mini episode, we discuss what we do as a media company and talk about a few projects we are currently working on and our interests in collaboration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Meaning of Life, Spirituality and Pepsi
Check out the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1mq-a9P7cE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Two Grasshoppers - A Story
Come along with us and listen to the story of the two grasshopper brothers by Andrew McGinnis. The first line is nsyilxcen, then we repeat it in English. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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stim i? xminktet. (What do we want?)
In this episode, we listen to an elder recording from elder cwylxw (Uncle Thomas Pierre) as he gets philosophical about the relationship between sama (settlers) and sqilxw and the effect colonial culture has had on the syilx people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Revitalizing Indigenous Music in Mexico
In this episode, we sit down with our friend Mauricio who is doing his best to revitalize Indigenous Mexican instruments. Many of his instruments take their inspiration from natural sounds such as birds, rainfall and even thunder. Join with us as we hear about his journey to bring back the sounds...
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Pretendians and Cultural Appropriation
In this episode we tackle the topic of Cultural Appropriation, Cultural Appreciation and Homage and share our perspectives on each of them. We chose this topic in the interest of creating dialogue and spreading awareness of the dangers of appropriation and taking advantage of other cultures than...
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Celebrating Salish - Sterling Peterson
In this episode, we have a good chat with LSIB's own Sterling Peterson. Sterling's grandmother, Samtica, is a legend in the nsyilxcen community for her extensive work in creating curriculum and passing on stories, songs, lessons and so much more. Sterling is walking in her footsteps as a steward...
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Celebrating Salish - Dina Gilio-Whitaker
In this podcast from the Celebrating Salish Language conference, we meet with Dina Gilio-Whitaker, a scholar and writer from Southern California whose book "As Long As Grass Grows" is an important study in environmental justice. We discuss some important topics such as the meaning of…
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Celebrating Salish - Tachini Pete
In this episode of Celebrating Salish, we meet with a fellow language warrior named Tachini Pete. He is from Arlee, Montana and is of Navajo heritage. He fell in love with the Salish language as a young man and has created a comprehensive dictionary of the language. Anyone interested in…
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Celebrating Salish - Jacob Knudson
On this episode we chat with Jacob Knudson, a fellow podcaster who is Metis, Stolo, Danish and Syilx from Merritt. We chat about his interest in traditional singing styles and old pow-wow records as well as his passion for chicken and grass dancing and his upcoming participation as the head…
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Celebrating Salish - tiput & skwelkwelusqen (Tiffany and Donovan)
In our second Celebrating Salish podcast we meet with tiput and skwelkwelusqen from Monse, Washington to talk about language journeys, bridging cultures and words of advice for new language learners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Celebrating Salish - Stan Bluff
On this episode at the Celebrating Salish Language conference, Qwyqwayaxn talks with Stan Bluff from the Kalispel tribe. They discuss the different kinds of camas root, growing up along the Pend Oreille River, and how Stan almost stayed in California and the impact that would have had on the...
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Celebrating Salish - nmamacin, qwlmtalqs, and acaxlwis (Amanda, Christina, and Joshua)
In this episode from the Celebrating Salish conference, we look at language comparisons between Kalispel and Okanagan, learn about everyone's respective language journeys, and talk about just how good it feels to be here at the conference surrounded by other Salish speakers and learners. Hosted…
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Celebrating Salish - Theresa Ann Terbasket
On our first podcast of the 2025 Celebrating Salish Language Conference, we chat with beloved elder Theresa Ann Terbasket and respected scholar Dina Gilio-Whitaker. We cover a wide range of topics such as cellphone addiction, the tradition of elders eating fawns, warm winds and seasonal changes,...
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Salish Language Conference Preview
We are off to the annual Salish Language Conference in Spokane tomorrow. The Salish Language Conference is the largest gathering of Interior Salish speakers. Nsyilxcen (Okanagan) is one of the Interior Salish languages and we are excited to be around so many language learners, teachers, and…
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Puberty Training
In this episode we listen to Uncle Thomas talk about puberty training and share our personal experiences with growing older but never up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Okanagan Love Stories
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Levi and Jesse talk about the great romantic stories from Okanagan captikwl and ask which one would make the best Disney movie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Arnie Baptiste
In this podcast we get to visit with one of our favourite uncles and a true language and culture legend, Arnie Baptiste. Arnie has been an inspiration to many Okanagan people trying to live their best cultural lives and continues to be. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit with him.…
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Motivation and Atomic Habits
In this episode, qwyqwayaxn and scwanitm discuss their New Year's resolutions, how to stay motivated, and how to increase motivation to learn nsyilxcen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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100% Nsyilxcen
In this extra special immersion episode, we speak nsyilxcen the entire time. No English! This is something we've been talking about for awhile but this is the first time we've actually done it. Here's to more to come! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Teaching Nsyilxcen (feat. Sensiyusten Language Team)
On this episode, we are joined by our counterparts at the Sensiyusten House of Learning. Xwylxw, Pkam, and Pacelqin are all language teachers at the Westbank First Nation cultural school and are doing some exciting things with their craft. We have so much in common with this crew that anytime we...
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Special Guest: skulaxan "Dixon Terbasket"
Dixon is an LSIB band member who is working on his own podcast in the Similkameen Valley where he also has started up a 7.5 acre community garden. He was recently the host of the local screening of "Tea Creek" a documentary about how one Indigenous community is making food security a thing of the...
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Big Bucks (Don't Forget Your Gun)
Levi, Trenton, and Brandi listen to a story by elder Thomas Pierre about the time he forgot to bring his hunting rifle with him and why he would never forget it again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Legend of ucxn (feat. xwnamxwnam)
Levi Bent, Trenton Manossa-Gabriel and Brandi Baptiste listen to a recording by elder Thomas Pierre where he talks about the lizard that follows you, climbs inside your hindquarters and eats you from the inside. The trio discusses the potential metaphor behind this story. Hosted on Acast. See...
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Mushrooms
In this episode we talk all about mushrooms. We talk about finding and picking, cooking and eating and how they make such good medicine. We talk about different types and where they can be found and tell stories about mushroom picking and our personal experiences. Qwyqwayaxn also shares as much...
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Learning Language and Culture
On this episode, we open up about how we've approached learning about Okanagan language and culture from each of our perspectives and the challenges we have faced teaching and supporting it. We would like to continue this dialogue in the interest of keeping the language and culture alive and...
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The Nkmip Day School (feat. Sheri "sqaxexinak" Stelkia)
On this episode, qwyqwayaxn welcomes sqaxexinak to the show to talk about Anthony Walsh and the Nkmip Day School. While other day and residential schools focused on the systematic removal of Indigenous language and culture, the Nkmip Day School celebrated it and celebrated the artistic talents of...
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Heroes feat. Seniwlm
Levi and Jesse welcome seniwlm to the podcast where we begin by talking about our heroes and digress into a variety of personal and nsyilxcen-related topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Special Guests: Shane and Shayla (Outma Sqilxw Cultural Team)
Levi talks with Shayla and Shayne from the Outma Sqilxw Language and Culture team about a wide range of subjects including the shared challenges they face of education in nsyilxcen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Halloween Special
We listen to and translate a recording about Halloween by samtica (Sarah Peterson). She tells us about the tradition of "mcam km lkanti" and how you might get your car hit by an aoosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Skateboarding Nsyilxcen Vocabulary
Nsyilxcen is a very old language and skateboarding is a very new sport. Because of this there is no skateboarding vocabulary in nsyilxcen (at least none that we know of). We do our best to give nsyilxcen language to skateboarding terms. If you know of any skateboarding nsyilxcen vocabulary please...
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Skateboarding
The Kwu Sneqsilxw team dives into the sport of skateboarding and how it shaped each one of us from our youths to the present day. We look at skaters we were influenced by, the importance of skateboarding video games, and the soundtracks that gave life to them. Hosted on Acast. See…
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The Legend of Tanyslays Part 2
Qwyqwayaxn and Skukulalq listen to Uncle Thomas tell another story about Tanyslays. This one involves a peculiar taste for onions and fearsome reputation that Tanyslays had. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The OIB Language House. (Feat. Franchesca "Yutelx" Raven-Bell)
The OIB Language House is the centre for Okanagan language learning in the South Okanagan. They host a variety of language learning programs and classes and regularly do cultural trips on the land. Yutelx joins us as a special guest for this podcast where she shares what she has learned in the 5...
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The Story of Chopaka
In today's episode, we listen to an Uncle Thomas story about jealousy and the complications thereof. There are several versions of the Chopaka story, all of which deal with the consequences of jealous lovers and why camas root is not found in the Okanagan or Similkameen valleys. There is some...
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cayxa nal senklip part 2 (Crayfish and Coyote)
Have no fear, the second part of the captikwl is right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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cayxa nal senklip (Crayfish and Coyote)
Skukulalq and Qwyqwayaxn break down a traditional Okanagan captikwl (legend) where crayfish challenges coyote to a race from lake to lake, presumably Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Those That Wander Without Purpose
On this episode we examine the meaning of purpose and how so many people drift through life without a clear sense of what it means. We listen to an Uncle Thomas recording where he recounts a lesson from when he was a child about living with a purpose, and we talk about the connection with...
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Bear Ceremony
In this episode, we listen to a story by Uncle Thomas about the traditional bear ceremony that elders would perform when a bear is harvested. A lot of unique nsyilxcen vocabulary is translated along the way and we learn about the importance of reviving traditional practices. Hosted on Acast. See...
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Learning about the Khoisan Tribe
In this episode we welcome Edwin and Billy to the studio to chat and compare the Indigenous experience between Canadian and South African indigenous peoples. Turns out, we have a lot in common. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Things We Know to Be True (snunxwinamtet)
Today's podcast tells us about the nsyilxcen concept of snunxwinamtet or "Things We Know to be True." These are deep-seated beliefs of the Okanagan people, and Uncle Thomas gives us some examples, including an insightful metaphor about pruning trees and spiritual/religious beliefs. Hosted on…
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The Legend of Dennis Slade (tanesl?ays)
In this episode, we breakdown the story of taneslays (Dennis Slade) who was a well-known character among the Okanagan people. Thomas recounts a famous story about taneslays and the boys break it down to show how he became such a notable figure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
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Horses, Dreams and Heart Attacks
In this episode, Uncle Thomas tells us about the time his older brother Joey had a heart attack and how it led to him having an unbelievable dream. Skukulalq shares a unique ability he has related to dreaming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The kwu sneqsilxw podcast began on a cold November day in 2022, when nqilxcen language teacher Qwyqwayaxn Bent suggested we listen to an elder recording he made with his Uncle Thomas. Thomas told the story of how when he and his siblings were young they wanted to be cowboys but they didn't have any horses, so they had to break their own wild horses by a process known as "fore footing." The rest of the language team was so moved by this story that we decided to share it. Now this elder story and many other stories and ancient teachings from Okanagan elders are available to everyone through this very podcast. It's okay if you don't know the Okanagan language, Qwyqwayaxn's co-worker Skukulalq is also along for the ride. Skukulalq is an intermediate language learner who is here to learn and share his language journey as well. Both uncles are happy to help interpret these elder recordings and keep the Okanagan language alive. We're happy that you're hear to listen as well. Please enjoy
HOSTED BY
Kwu Sneqsilxw
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does kwu sneqsilxw have?
kwu sneqsilxw currently has 54 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is kwu sneqsilxw about?
The kwu sneqsilxw podcast began on a cold November day in 2022, when nqilxcen language teacher Qwyqwayaxn Bent suggested we listen to an elder recording he made with his Uncle Thomas. Thomas told the story of how when he and his siblings were young they wanted to be cowboys but they didn't have any...
How often does kwu sneqsilxw release new episodes?
kwu sneqsilxw has 54 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to kwu sneqsilxw?
You can listen to kwu sneqsilxw on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts kwu sneqsilxw?
kwu sneqsilxw is created and hosted by Kwu Sneqsilxw.
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