The Dakelh or Carrier are the indigenous people of a large portion of the central interior of British Columbia. They call themselves Dakelh, meaning "people who go around in boats". The term "Carrier" is a translation of the Sekani name for them, which Europeans learned first because they crossed Sekani territory before entering Carrier territory.

Language

The Carrier language is a Northern Athabaskan language. The people who are referred to as Carrier speak two related languages. One, Babine-Witsuwit'en is sometimes referred to as Northern Carrier. The other, Carrier proper, includes what are sometimes referred to as Central Carrier and Southern Carrier. Like most of the languages of British Columbia, Carrier is an endangered language. Only about 10% of Carrier people now speak Carrier, hardly any of them children.

Sounds

Consonants

The 33 consonants of Central Carrier:

Vowels

External links

• The Yinka Dene Language Institute Website contains extensive information about the Carrier language and other First Nations languages of British Columbia.
• The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council represents many of the Carrier bands. Its web site contains information about the tribe and about current political issues.

Bibliography