Elders, Mayor Lyn Hall, and College of New Caledonia President Henry Reiser were among the guests at Mary Gouchie’s birthday at CNC today.
The Lheidli T’enneh Elder celebrated her 97th birthday at the place she has helped preserve the language of her First Nation.
“I can speak the language pretty well,” Gouchie laughed.
“I try my best to speak to the young ones if they would listen.”
Gouchie has provided the majority of the information and material that goes into the college’s Carrier Language Level I and II courses in the Lheidli T’enneh dialect.
“The work that she’s done is just immeasurable for the community of Lheidli and for all speakers of our language,” says CNC Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson.
It’s an easy thing to do for Gouchie, who just wants to do her part in preserving the language.
“I think the language shouldn’t die, I wish more young people would be interested in speaking the language.”
At 97 years young, Gouchie continues to take part in opening prayers for events and is still helping to build a Lheidli T’enneh dictionary.
.@cnc_bc_ca President Henry Reiser, Mayor @Lynhallpg lead “Happy Birthday” for Mary Gouchie on her 97th birthday ? #CityofPG pic.twitter.com/vuzD6Jmk1s
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) February 7, 2018