Research presentations
Analysis of sound, grammar, meaning, history and use, with time for questions and discussion.
The conference
An annual meeting for language work
ICSNL meets each year in a different community or institution. The host committee shapes the program, the local arrangements and the welcome that participants receive.
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What happens at the meeting
The conference combines formal papers with work in progress, language materials and discussion. Presentations are usually given in English, with examples and discussion in the languages under study. Participants include academic researchers, language teachers, students, Elders and community language workers.
The tone is collaborative. A question from a speaker, a teacher or a student is treated as part of the conversation, not as an interruption. The best sessions are the ones where the audience helps the presenter see the work differently.
Emerging projects
Ideas that are not yet finished, offered for comment and for help from people who have faced similar questions.
Language resources
Dictionaries, teaching materials, archives and community projects presented by the people who made them.
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The 61st meeting
The 61st International Conference on Salish and Neighbouring Languages took place from July 16 to 18, 2026, hosted by Lilʼwat Nation at Mount Currie. The meeting brought the conference back to a community setting, with the host Nation guiding the local arrangements and welcome.
The official conference page holds the record of the meeting, including the program and the host committee's notices. The next meeting will be announced by the organizing committee.
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Taking part
The call for papers is published by the host committee. It sets out the themes, the formats and the date by which proposals are needed. Students, early career researchers, teachers and community language workers are encouraged to respond.
Registration, accessibility, travel and local arrangements are also published with the call. These details change from year to year, so this site does not repeat them; it points to the official page instead.
Before you travel
Check the official conference page for the current dates, venue, registration and accessibility information. This site is an information resource and does not manage registration or local arrangements.
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What to expect
ICSNL is a working conference rather than a large trade event. Participants tend to value the chance to talk at length, to meet people from other communities and institutions, and to hear work that is still taking shape.
The host community's protocols matter. Visitors are asked to listen, to ask before recording or photographing, and to respect any limits a presenter or community places on the use of cultural knowledge.
Further reading
Independent organizations and resources. ICSNL is not responsible for their content.