Heiltsuk

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A language of Canada

ISO 639-3
hei
Alternate Names
Hailhzaqvla
User Population

66 (FPCC 2014). 50 semi-speakers; 6 remaining speakers of Oowekyala (FPCC 2014). Ethnic population: 2,530 (FPCC 2014).

Location

British Columbia province: Bella Bella and Kitasoo villages, Rivers Inlet area.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting). Language of recognized indigenous peoples: Heiltsuk, Wuikinuxv.

Classification
Wakashan, Northern Wakashan, Kwakiutlan
Dialects

Bella Bella (Belbellah, Northern Heiltsuk), Oowekyala (Heiltsuk-Oweek’ala, Oowekeno, Oweek’ala, ’Uikala). Related to Haisla [has] and Kwakwala [kwk].

Language Use

Adults only. All shifting to English [eng].

Language Development

Local teaching program in Bella Bella. Dictionary.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Heiltsuk