Student hopes for language lessons

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Most teenagers in our community don't know or understand the Cree language. Our Cree language is a big part of our identity and should be used with respect. Many teens in the community want to know and understand their Cree language. I know they do because I'm sure they want to communicate with their grandparents and parents.

I know a lot of teens that feel this way. I really want to know the Cree language myself, because I feel like I have this empty spot inside me. I will do whatever it takes to know and understand Cree. I feel this way because I feel left out when my aunts, uncles, parents and grandparents speak to each other in Cree. I always wish I could understand them, but I don't.

I have many hopes for the future. They are: There should be Cree classes every semester in each high school. There should be Cree language sessions at the friendship centre and youth centre. There should be Elders speaking to teenagers about legends and stories every weekend, and there should be syllabic charts put up around the schools.

These are my hopes for the future, because when this does happen I will be happy and so will other teens in my community.

We will feel proud that we know the Cree language and we will speak the Cree language with respect at all times.

I believe that these hopes of mine will make teenagers in our community happy, that they will finally get the chance and opportunity to learn and speak their language. I also believe that these hopes will make their social life even better by speaking Cree to each other.

Jennifer L. Mitchell

Grade 11 student

Northern Lights Secondary School

Moosonee, Ont.