Inchelium stands as the sole surviving Sn̓ʕay̓čkstx (Sinixt/Arrow Lakes) community in the world, a testament to resilience against the backdrop of colonization in the U.S. and Canada. Declared extinct by the Canadian government in 1956 and prevented from entering back into Canada, we the Sn̓ʕay̓čkstx people have fought to preserve our language and culture from the Colville Reservation in Washington State. This invaluable work began in the 1960s when elders initiated the recording of our language and collaborated with Anthony Matina. Without the foresight of these elders and the dedication of Tony Matina, we would not be where we are today.

The ncáʔliwm nqəlʷcniłxʷ  (Inchelium Language & Culture Association), established in 2011, owes its existence to visionary founders: Shelly Boyd, Wendy Phillips, Melissa Signor, Leah Dick, Jerry Signor, and Trudy Tonasket. Their journey began in a small trailer in Kewa Wa, driven by a profound desire to rekindle their language. Inspiration came from Okanogan elder Samtica (Sara Peterson), motivating them to embark on the revitalization path. Starting humbly, they eventually secured a building within the Inchelium Community on the Colville Reservation. Just three years later, they received a grant from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) and commenced teaching the first Nselxcin co-hort.