Written by Rosemary Matt, Dept. Chair-Native Language Teacher Education & Séliš-Ql̓ispé Language and Culture programs, Salish Kootenai College
Steve Arca, also known as Stipi, plays a vital role in the Salish Kootenai College community, particularly in language education. Leading the evening Intensive Salish Language students through the Seliš u Qlispé Nuwewlštn curriculum, he fosters an engaging and supportive learning atmosphere, blending humor with instruction.
Raised by his yayaʔ, Mary Beaverhead Smallsalmon, and his mother, Alice, in Ronan, Montana, Stipi’s connection to his heritage is profound. With Ql̓ispé roots and enrollment in the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, his journey in language revitalization began in 2012 at the Nk̓ʷusm Salish Language School. Under the guidance of influential elders and family members, he revitalized his identity through language learning and has since dedicated his life to this cause.
Stipi’s educational path reflects commitment to his community. He has achieved several academic milestones: an associate’s degree in Salish language educator development in 2021, a bachelor’s in Native language teacher education in 2022, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on integrated Indigenous education in 2023. Currently, Stipi is pursuing a doctorate in education at Montana State University, his goal is to strengthen his ability to serve as an advocate for the Ql̓ispé people.
His humility and understanding of the importance of ancestral teachings highlights the essence of his work. Stipi embodies the idea that true success lies not just in educational achievements but also in how one lives out the values instilled by their ancestors and elders.
