Language-keeping a priority at conference

The Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre held its annual First Nations Language Keepers Conference December 3 & 4 at the Saskatoon Inn in Saskatoon.

The annual gathering is quickly becoming a leading national conference in creating awareness of First Nations languages and cultures.

The goal of the conference is to bring together academics, knowledge keepers, master speakers, students, Elders and community leaders to share best practices in the revitalization and retention of language and culture in First Nations communities across Canada and the United States.

‘Empowering First Nations Youth’ was the theme of this years’ conference.

Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre’s President Dorothy Myo, opened the conference by telling delegates that it’s everyone’s responsibility as Language Keepers to pass on our First Nations languages and cultures to the next generation to ensure our future survival as Indigenous People.

Presentations and speakers throughout the conference echoed the theme and stressed the importance of language instruction to begin in the home.  Equally powerful messages came from youth representatives and other conference delegates on the connection of Mother Earth (land) to the language and spiritual cultural practices.

On the first day, keynote luncheon speaker Be’sha Blondin, spoke eloquently on the teachings of the Dene way of life, culture, healing, ceremonies, medicines, survival skills and the environment. Blondin was born at Cameron Bay, on Great Bear Lake, NWT and now makes her home in Yellowknife, North West Territories where she maintains a strong connection to the land as a Dene woman.

“Maintain your language, keep it close to your mind and spirit,” Blondin told the audience. “Our language connects these together like a song.”

As part of the closing ceremonies in the lowering of the fire, Blondin sang a spiritual song in Dene and captivated the conference participants with her lyrics.

On the second day, Gary Merasty, representing the Cameco Corporation as a keynote speaker delivered an inspiring message.

“Protect what is critically important to us as a distinct people…our languages,” he said.

He also issued a challenge to leadership and language professionals to advocate for the official status of First Nations languages in Canada.

Merasty added that this can only happen if First Nations unite and lobby collectively to the Government of Canada. As a vice president at Cameco and a fluent Cree speaker, Merasty is able to move seamlessly from his Peter Ballantyne First Nations community to being a corporate executive in one of the top 100 companies in Saskatchewan.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Guy Lonechild provided greetings on behalf of the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan and mentioned to participants to look forward to some very positive announcements regarding education in early 2011. “Language and culture must become fully integrated into the overall First Nations education system,” he said.

As part of the Language Keepers Conference, a round dance and feast was held for delegates, a large majority who were First Nations from the urban community.

Photo Caption: SICC’S Annual Language Keepers Conference attendees included 98-year-old Flora Weenonis and 90-year-old Lucy Whitefish (seated), both from the Big River First Nation who took the time to chat with keynote speaker Gary Merasty.