U of R crowdfunding to help save many First Nations languages
University press needs $20,000 to produce sixth of 60 planned books
University of Regina Press is asking the public to speak up for First Nations’ languages.
The publisher is planning to create 60 First Nations’ language readers. Each book takes an indigenous language and prints about 10 stories — some traditional, some contemporary — in that language. Each story is printed in syllabics, Standard Roman Orthography, and English.
“Every language is a world unto itself. You understand the world through the lens of your language,” said Arok Wolvengrey, a professor of indigenous languages at First Nations University and an editor of the books.
So far, Plains Cree, Woods Cree, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Lillooet versions have been printed.
The books retail for $24.95, but production costs are about $40,000.
“As a publisher it is difficult to recoup our costs,” says Morgan Tunzelmann, sales and marketing co-ordinator for U of R Press.
With that in mind, U of R Press is launching a crowdfunding campaign in December to help raise money for the remaining books.
The goal is to raise half the money needed to produce the next book — roughly $20,000.
“The campaign, we hope, will raise some money but we also hope it will build a community of people who want to do something for reconciliation with indigenous peoples,” said Tunzelmann.
Wolvengrey started working on a version of the language readers in 2007 with the Canadian Plains Research Centre, which became U of R Press.
The idea to continue supporting the project can be traced to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which finished its work in 2015. The Commission recommended the revitalization of First Nations languages.
Each book involves someone going and collecting the stories to be used from elders. Then, an indepth editorial process follows to make sure cultural protocols are being followed and the community is comfortable with the product.
“It’s just a small way to start bringing some attention to these languages and hopefully inspire people who are trying to bring their languages back,” said Wolvengrey.
With 25 more books already in development and a plan to create 60 in total, this is no small undertaking for U of R Press, which has published three national bestsellers in its history — all by indigenous authors.
“Crowdfunding is about raising money, but probably equally or even more so important is that need to raise awareness among Canadians about how important this issue of revitalizing indigenous languages is, said Tunzelmann.
Wolvengrey said many of the challenges facing indigenous culture today is a result of a loss of language.
“When you know your own language, you know your own culture, you know your own place in the world and from that comes strength and confidence,” he said.
The books that have already been completed are being used in classrooms. Tunzelmann hopes the use will expand as more languages are printed.
“We’re really hoping the public libraries will get behind this project,” she said.
Her hope is that everyone will learn at least a few words from an indigenous language.
“It would drastically change the power dynamics in this country,” she said.