WATCH: Saving a language. Try these three simple words.

It looks very different from what we're used to when it's written down, and it's tricky to get your tongue around, but no, this is not a foreign language.

In fact, this vernacular is about as close to home as you can get.

The syilx language (nsyilxcən ), is the language spoken by and distinguishes the Syilx Okanagan from other Indigenous peoples. It is part of the Salish language family and is spoken across the districts of the Syilx Okanagan territory.

But the language is critically endangered, with fewer than 40 fluent Elders, and only a few handfuls of intermediate-advanced speakers.

That's where Sʔím̓laʔxʷ Michele Johnson comes in.

She is the executive director of the Syilx Language House. Through the grassroots non-profit, she is on a mission to create new, fluent N̓syilxčn̓ speakers in the Syilx Nation.

In this video, Johnson walks through three simple words that give us an introduction to her mother tongue.

way'

It means hello and goodbye.

Syilx

We are on Syilx Nation territory.

siya?

This word refers to Saskatoon berry bushes, which were a major food source for the syilx people.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) is committed to the preservation and practice of Syilx Okanagan language and culture. Through numerous nation-wide initiatives the ONA has supported, assisted and promoted the development of nsyilxcən language and culture resources through partnerships with En’owkin Centre, Paul Creek Language Association and the Interior Salish Language Associations.