The importance of language

Page 5

When I was young I knew how to speak Cree, at least until they put me in a foster home. Then I did not have anyone to speak Cree to anymore. I am 41 years old and I can't speak my language. I can often understand what people are saying, but I can't carry on a conversation. This hurts me a lot.

My children learn Cree at school. It's one of the reasons we moved back to this First Nation. The children can now name animals and count to 10. But this is not enough, in my opinion. The children can't understand the Elders or carry on a conversation. I am wondering why school systems on reserve aren't doing more to promote the first languages, the languages of First Nations people. For me it's the most important thing for our children to learn.

My friend asked me the other day, what is this second language thing. I told my friend that I thought they meant French. We both agreed (with all due respect of the importance of the French language to some people) that we thought in a place like the prairies we should be able to go into government offices and expect to do business in Cree, Blackfoot, Saulteaux or Dene languages at least. These are the languages that the Creator put down on the land and my friend and I did not feel that our languages feel someplace less than second-best. I guess it's part of that Canadian myth about two founding peoples, the English and the French.

I also know that the students at the University of Saskatchewan have been asking for more courses in Aboriginal languages, especially in Cree. The Native Studies department there has not yet successfully put together a plan to ensure that the need the students have articulated is fulfilled. I know there are some Aboriginal ideas, such as justice and government, that can't be fully understood when they are translated into the English language.

We recently had an election at Thunderchild (and, of course, an election appeal). When people spoke during the election and the appeal, they spoke in Cree. I was really proud to be sitting there listening when I realized that the language of business in my community was Cree. However, then I was saddened by the realization that when my sons are grown men and are sitting and listening, they may not have the same experience. If my daughter is elected chief (that's her in the picture), business will be conducted in English. It saddens me that many of our younger generation are not fluent in the Cree language.

My children are still young. It's not too late for them. It's not too late for me to keep learning more Cree so I can teach my children. In my view, language must become very important to both our education system and our families which make up the community.