Sask. people keeping Indigenous language alive through music, technology and education

Language and culture have been stolen from many indigenous peoples in Canada through boarding schools and assimilation.

Samson LaMontagne wants to bring this language and culture back. LaMontagne teaches Michif at the Father Vachon School in Saskatoon. Michif is a metis language spoken in parts of Canada and the United States that combines Cree, French, and other languages.

Not only does LaMontagne maintain his teachings in the classroom, he also tries to reach people in a place where many spend a lot of time: Instagram.

He said he initially created content for teachers and students, but parents also started reaching out. He decided to use the platform because it is particularly accessible.

I believe that every student I have who speaks Michif breathes life into the language and keeps it alive.- Samson LaMontagne

LaMontagne also said it was important for indigenous peoples to help preserve their language and culture.

"If you want things to be done right and if you want real reconciliation, you need the indigenous community," he said. "To be responsible, to be responsible for delivery."

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Actions include a call for a language law that incorporates the principle that the preservation, revitalization and strengthening of Aboriginal languages ​​and cultures are best governed by Aboriginal people and communities.

Language and technology

Abby Janvier-Novak and Gwen Cubbon are also part of a project that uses technology to help people connect or reconnect with indigenous languages.

You're part of a team that creates language revitalization apps that categorize basic Cree and Dene words into topics like animals or body parts.

Abby Janvier-Novak and Gwen Cubbon are part of a project that uses technology to help people (re) connect with indigenous languages. (Submitted by Abby Janvier-Novak)

Cubbon, a member of Canoe Lake Cree First Nation who was Cree language revitalization advisor on the project, said the apps also help preserve sounds that are particularly important and often the most difficult to learn in indigenous languages are.

The apps are also geared towards specific communities. Apps have already been created for several communities, and more are in the works.

"I think a language app is a contemporary way to preserve language and make it accessible to the younger generation," says Janvier-Novak, a member of the Clearwater River Dene Nation who was Dene's consultant on language revitalization.

Abby Janvier-Novak and Gwen Cubbons are part of a team that creates language revitalization apps that categorize basic Cree and Dene words into topics such as animals or body parts. (Submitted by Abby Janvier-Novak)

The phone apps - currently available on the Apple App Store - are a First Nations initiative of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), which rules nine First Nations, to stimulate interest in language learning.

Language and music

Dale McArthur is familiar with the importance of sound and language.

McArthur is a Regina-based blues rock singer-songwriter who preserves the Nakota language through his music. Under the stage name Dale Mac, he is working on an album that contains Nakota words and references to cultural ceremonies.

"The research and planning that went into this album included a lot of advice for the elderly, advice for the elderly, attending ceremonies, research into funding opportunities for language and cultural preservation," says McArthur Bear First Nation himself. "

Singer-songwriter Dale McCarthur says preserving indigenous culture and language is essential. (Submitted by Dale McCarthur)

He said it is important for indigenous youth to have access to language and culture.

“It was a little bit of both - a passionate project and preserving the language - so that when it's my turn to pass it on, that language will be anchored in my DNA,” he says.

McArthur hopes his album will be out in about a month.

Language and education

The Miyo Mâchihowin program at ED Feehan Catholic High School in Saskatoon has existed since 2018, but has grown and developed since then.

At first it was only offered to 9th grade students but is now offered by grades 9 through 12. It also now includes more language components.

Program objectives include addressing health problems, building self-confidence, and creating identity. Classes include indigenous content, such as: B. Land-based learning for physical education.

"This program creates space for indigenous youth to connect with who they are and perhaps embark on a healing journey that will likely begin with boarding schools and the assimilation processes that have taken place throughout Canadian history," said the teacher Falynn Baptiste.

She said she saw students being able to heal and develop a sense of pride in their indigenous identity.

That has an impact on the students, says Lars Thiemann of the 12th grade.

"It touched me very much. I really understood my language and my culture," he says.

“At the moment we're doing Cree courses, I never really understood Cree. But I've come a long way and I can finally say that I can understand parts of it ... but not all of it. "

This story is part of the CBC Saskatchewan series Called to Action: Stories of Reconciliation. Over the coming months, we'll explore topics from language to sports, highlighting local efforts and the people who lead them.

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