Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly is excited to announce that our nɬeʔkepmxcín and nɬeʔképmx Programs Departments have been operating as a unified department since December 2024. With this new change, we are incredibly proud to share that we have renamed our newly merged departments. The act of renaming our department in the language was a significant milestone for us, and we look forward to carrying out our work under this new title.

In choosing a name that carries the essence of our language into this new chapter, we are proud to introduce the phrase ʔesknstwexʷ. This term encapsulates the spirit of our merged departments and reflects our ongoing commitment to helping each other in all aspects, including nɬeʔkepmxcín revitalization, food security and sovereignty, cultural practices, reconnection with our tmíxʷ and nkseytkn. We believe that ʔesknstwexʷ symbolizes our dedication to helping each other and working collaboratively for the benefit of all.

To offer insight into the significance of our new name, we are pleased to share Jerry Voght’s heartfelt explanation: 

“I finally thought about a couple of old people sitting in their house watching a couple of people working out in the field, and these two people are doing similar jobs, working along and finally (they) look at each other and decide they should work together—to make things easier. So they finally come together, have a little visit, and start working alongside each other.

As we establish new processes and refine our operations in alignment with the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly Strategic Plan, we have taken the opportunity to expand our team to support the management of newly acquired properties. Our staff has embraced their new roles and responsibilities with enthusiasm, yet again demonstrating their commitment to this important work. 

We look forward to this next chapter and encourage the use and understanding of ʔesknstwexʷ within our communities. Together, as one unified team, we remain devoted to delivering our best in every endeavor. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting journey.