“In our language, it is embedded, our philosophy of life and our technologies. There is a reason why we want our languages preserved and taught to our children – it is our survival.”
-- Dr. Burt McKay, former FPHLC Council member, Nisga’a language teacher and Elder.

Peter Brand - FirstVoices Training Coordinator
Peter Brand was raised in Tasmania, Australia where he trained as an elementary school teacher prior to an assignment as Teacher-in-Charge of Banka Banka School for Aboriginal students in the Northern Territory of Australia. This experience, followed by several years of extensive world travel and eleven years teaching at LAU,WEL NEW Tribal School on Vancouver Island, raised his awareness of global Indigenous language endangerment.

Collaboration with Saanich language teacher John Elliott in the development of computer applications to support Indigenous language learning, evolved into the FirstVoices concept. Peter and John were honoured by the University of Victoria with the 2002 Community Leadership Award for their contribution to Indigenous language revitalization.

John Elliott - Saanich Language Activist and Technology Visionary
John Elliott is a member of the Saanich Nation on Vancouver Island, Chairman of the Saanich Native Heritage Society and language and culture teacher at the LAU,WELNEW Tribal School.

In 1999 John began experimenting with digital video and computers as teaching tools for Aboriginal language education. John’s collaboration with a teaching colleague at LAU,WELNEW Tribal School resulted in the development of a multimedia authoring suite specifically designed for Indigenous language instruction. This work ultimately led to the creation of the FirstVoices Web-based Aboriginal Language resource.

John has delivered technology-based conference presentations in Vancouver, Toronto, Flagstaff Arizona and Bozeman Montana. In December 2002, John received the University of Victoria Community Leadership Award, honouring his pioneering work in the application of technology to Aboriginal language revitalization.

Alex Wadsworth - FirstVoices Senior Systems Analyst

Alex has led the technical development of the FirstVoices applications since 2002. He has extensive experience in database design and programming and excels in creating dynamic database driven websites using many tools, including Active Server Pages, MS Internet Information Server, and WebObjects. Alex also has extensive knowledge of Oracle technologies and is experienced developing custom Oracle Portal applications.

Pauline Edwards - FirstVoices Trainer

Pauline assists in the training of FirstVoices Language Administrators and Recorders, and provides French language support for FirstVoices projects in French speaking communities. As a recent graduate of the University of Victoria, she holds a B.Sc. in Linguistics. In 2005, Pauline developed and implemented the Trafford FirstVoices Publishing Program - an internationally available grant program that funds books written by First Nations and Aboriginal authors from around the world.