Embracing Indigenous Language Revival
Good morning, and how are you today? It is nice to see you.
It is a lovely day today.
Do you want to have some tea?
Where is the washroom?
These short phrases are commonly used in many languages. We have so many beautiful Indigenous languages that originated from what we know as Turtle Island, also known as North America. In every province in Canada and in all the States below the medicine line, there are numerous diverse Indigenous languages. Let’s explore some strategies to start learning and sharing some of these national treasures.
What do we have on our side right now that can facilitate learning languages? In North America, most of us have access to modern technology. Smart technology, like cell phones for example, opens up a world of possibilities and enables us to access an increasing number of resources, such as Indigenous language apps, free online dictionaries and online Indigenous language courses. Currently, there is a variety of virtual platforms that enables us to attend events and connect with experts from all over the world.
In 2021, one thing is certain, remote learning has evolved from a learning option to a necessity. No matter how old you are, remote learning takes some time to get used to. With some hard work, learning a new language can be eased by making language education fun and interactive. The rigour of learning a language is to use repetition, repetition and repetition. Habits need to be developed, and setting goals is a huge part of becoming a successful Indigenous language speaker. We need to hear words spoken; we need to listen to songs; we need to listen to prayers; and we need to understand basic commands. Seeing pictures and photos helps with language learning. Props such as jackets, hats, plates, chairs, tables and, of course, food, these are all motivators for learning to communicate. You can use survival phrases, such as the questions and small talk examples above.
The trend right now is online platforms. I’ve seen the little children get captivated with handheld technologies, as well as our knowledge keepers and Elders alike. We are social beings by nature, and this isolation time has given us new ways to stay in touch with each other. I’ve been on Zoom meetings, Google Classroom, Facetime, Video Messenger and Microsoft Teams with Elders, family members, Indigenous language speakers and colleagues. With long periods of separation, we can contact each other, and technology is getting better and faster. This constant improvement connects us, which also brings healing, mental health and well-being. These are opportunities to connect with Master Speakers.
To keep Indigenous languages alive, we must embrace modern technology and use it in a way that is respectful of our diverse cultures. In my opinion, we need to see more Indigenous leaders emerging on YouTube. We need more TikTok in our Indigenous languages. There are still ways to keep our songs sacred but not secret. We can always
be careful of protecting our knowledge and ceremonies. There is a gap in modern technology and language development that can, and should, be filled by Indigenous industry experts, like designers who can make Indigenous emojis and better apps that can capture our sentences and how our languages are structured.
With so many opportunities and platforms available to us, I truly believe we are at the start of an Indigenous language renaissance.
Dr. Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis is a nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) instructor, researcher and writer from Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. Dr. Lewis has worked with higher-learning institutions within the Prairie Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in Indigenous language development and instructional methodologies. Dr. Lewis has worked with community schools in promoting land and language-based education, and is the founder of kâniyâsihk Culture Camps, a non-profit organization focused on holistic community well-being. He is also a co-developer of Land-Based Cree Immersion School kâ-nêyâsihk mîkiwâhpa.