“When I hear the Bible in Kwak’wala, I feel amazed,” says Brody Naknakim.
Brody is working with his community to bring Scripture into the Kwak’wala language. For many Indigenous communities across Canada, the Bible was historically encountered in English or French—languages often tied to deep wounds and cultural loss.
Today, Brody sees people responding differently as they hear Scripture in their own language.
Brody is from Cape Mudge, on the southern tip of Quadra Island. Today, he and his wife, Alison, live with their four children in Campbell River on nearby Vancouver Island. Kwak’wala is a language spoken between Campbell River and Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, as well as on several other islands and across the channel onto the mainland. For years, the Naknakims have served in church programs, youth ministry and informal gatherings throughout the region. Over time, translation work has become another way of caring for their community.
For Brody, translation is rooted in his own faith journey.
“When I was younger, I started to learn about the Scripture and who Christ is,” he remembers. “What drew me to the Christian faith was that Christ sees your potential. He never leaves you or forsakes you.”
Hearing the Word in Kwak’wala still moves him deeply.
“We’re doing something that’s valuable for the Lord and betterment of our people. Some of the Elders cry tears of joy [as they engage with Scripture]! …It’s kind of like a dream come true.”
Brody believes that Indigenous Christians have something important to offer the worldwide Church through their languages.
“In the past, Christians have used other languages that contribute to our understanding [of Scripture]. Now, First Nations people are throwing their hat in the ring.
“Not for our glory, but for God’s glory.”
The Kwak'wala translation is part of Wycliffe Canada's Indigenous Initiatives, a project that partners with Indigenous communities across Canada to translate Scripture into their heart languages. Learn more about how you can support this vital work at wycliffe.ca/campaign/summer
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