Tag Archives: TEDx

MOD #2 POST #2: Canada Needs Thriving Indigenous Languages

Canada Needs Thriving Indigenous Languages | Khelsilem | TEDxWestVancouverED – YouTube

Khelsilem states that there is an increasing number of Indigenous youths committing themselves to become language learners, as the 2016 census shows that in some communities the number of language speakers is increasing despite the lack of government support and funding. “Canada would be a more interesting place if Indigenous languages are thriving” is a statement from Khelsilem that resonated with me, as languages inform the culture, identity, and the community of the place. Khelsilem also discusses that revitalization efforts led by Indigenous communities could shift towards gifting Indigenous languages to all Canadians. This would support reconciliation and building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

MOD #2 POST #1: Why Indigenous Languages Matter and What We Can Do to Save Them

Why Indigenous Languages Matter and What We Can Do to Save Them | Lindsay Morcom | TEDxQueensU – YouTube

Lindsay Morcom at the TEDxQueensU spoke of how Indigenous languages in Canada are either endangered or vulnerable. Losing languages wasn’t by accident, she discussed how laws and policies were implemented, especially the residential school system, and the impact of cultural genocide. Her presentation included cultural and place-based examples to emphasize the importance of Indigenous languages. Dr. Morcom also described ways we can support the revitalization of languages. Examples include the Mi’kmaq culture and language-based education implemented by self-government as well as the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest program. What can we do? Need for policies with funding to ensure Indigenous languages are incorporated meaningfully in both on-reserve and off-reserve educational settings. In addition, the need for support, not just financial but physical spaces to learn and dialogue into why Indigenous languages are important. Preserving languages is a vital step for reconciliation.

MOD #1 POST #3: Reconciliation in your Community – Carolyn Roberts

Carolyn Roberts is a Coast Salish woman from the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver, British Columbia. I had the privilege to listen to Carolyn Roberts speak at a district professional development workshop this year, she is an articulate speaker and is passionate about Indigenous education. The video below was her presentation at the TEDxLangleyED event, where she speaks about her own experiences and the responsibilities of all Canadian citizens in Indigenous rights. We all have to help with reconciliation and work to right the injustice from the past that continues today.

As Roberts (2013) said it in her presentation, “in order for us to move forward in reconciliation, we need to be able to move forward side by side, not one someone in front, not someone behind, but together side by side”.

Ways to move reconciliation forward as Canadians (Roberts, 2018),

  1. Learn about the territory where you live and work. Where is their community, what languages do you speak, and how can you give back to them.
  2. Educate ourselves about land claims and treaties in place, what does it mean for us? What does it mean to them?
  3. “It is education that got us into this mess, it will be education that gets us out of this mess” – Hon. Murray Sinclair as quoted by Roberts (2018)

Additional resources from Carolyn Roberts:

wanna be an ally? https://youtu.be/zk7bnaf8dus 

https://www.carolynroberts.net/

 

References

Roberts, C. (2018) Reconciliation in your community. [YouTube, 17 mins]