Our Language

Halq’eméylem, the language of the Semá:th people, carries the voice of our ancestors and the heart of our identity. It holds our stories, teachings, and worldview—connecting us to the land and each other. Revitalizing it keeps our culture alive, ensuring future generations can speak the words that have shaped Semá:th life for thousands of years. Through education, community, and our Elders’ guidance, we bring our language back into daily life and strengthen who we are.

Halq’eméylem – The Language of Our Ancestors

Halq’eméylem is the Upriver Dialect of Halkomelem, a rich and expressive language historically spoken by many Stó:lō Nations across Southeastern Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, and beyond.

Fluent Speakers
Semi Speakers
Learners

Quick Facts

Key things to know about Halq’eméylem, the traditional language of the Stó:lō and Semá:th peoples.

  • Halq’eméylem is the traditional tongue of the upriver Stó:lō people, including the Semá:th.
  • Historically, Halq’eméylem was an oral language and did not have a written form. With changes brought by colonization, many fluent speakers were lost or discouraged from speaking their language.
  • In the 1970s & 1980s, members of the Stó:lō community, working with linguists, developed a standardized writing system (orthography) for Halq’eméylem, enabling the language to be recorded and shared more broadly.
  • Halq’eméylem is classified as Severely Endangered by the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger.
  • The exact number of fluent speakers is uncertain, but is thought to be roughly 105 (source: First Peoples’ Cultural Council)

Learn and Listen.

Click to hear common greetings, phrases, and words in Halq’eméylem, spoken by Elders from the larger

Audio files courtesy of Stó:lō Shxwelí.

Ey swáyel – Good day
Shxw’éyelth – Be in good health
Tsel ts’íthomé – I thank you

Halq’eméylem is the living voice of our ancestors and a foundation of our cultural identity. The words, songs, and greetings of our language connect us to our lands, our families, our history and our responsibilities as stewards of our territory. Through speaking and preserving Halq’eméylem, we honour the generations who came before us.

Why preserving Halq’eméylem is important

  • Halq’eméylem is distinct and differs drastically from English – there are many phrases and words in Halq’eméylem that cannot be directly translated into English.
  • Halq’eméylem is a direct representation of a unique Indigenous worldview; ideas about the world are expressed differently than in other languages, and this is important for truly understanding the Stó:lō culture and way of life.
  • Language revitalization is key to decolonizing First Nations communities and re-prioritizing culture and history.
  • Language reclamation is a way of healing and a source of pride for many; it is crucial to the mission of reconciliation that languages are protected.

“S’ólh Téméxw te íkw’elò. Xyólhmet te mekw’stám ít kwelát”

This is our land. We have to look after everything that belongs to us

Resources for Language and Cultural Learning

Stó:lō Shxwelí

This free website offers stories, songs, lessons, and resources to support you in your learning.

Start Learning

A Stó:lō Coast Salish Historical Atlas

This superbly researched, groundbreaking historical atlas presents a history of the civilization and territory of the St :lo, a First Nations people.

Borrow Learn More

Halq’eméylem Studies

Improve your fluency and proficiency in the Halq’eméylem language with structured programs through UFV.

Grad Certificate Grad Diploma Intermediate Proficiency Certificate

Learn Halq’eméylem at the University of the Fraser Valley.

UFV offers undergraduate and graduate studies in Halq’emeylem, giving students an opportunity for immersive learning that lasts. Discover certificate, diplomas, and more from UFV Indigenous Studies.

Learn More

Graduates of UFV’s Halq’eméylem certificate program enjoy a ceremony in the Gathering Place on UFV’s Chilliwack campus on June 18, 2025. Photo courtesy of University of the Fraser Valley.