Author Archives: kenneth jamieson

Indigenous Language Revitalization Weblog Post 4 – Kenny Jamieson

Indigenous Language Revitalization – Encouragement, Guidance and Lessons Learned

http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~jar/ILR/ILRbook.pdf

This resource is an extensive collection of academic articles focused on Indigenous Languages and revitalization efforts. The articles cover a wide range of topics, looking at everything from linguistics, to specific community efforts, and examples of technology being used effectively. One further positive with this collection of articles is that they focus on a number of different languages and communities and are not tied in to one specific geographic region. The various articles highlight some of the excellent work being done to revitalize many Indigenous languages and shows various possible steps that communities can take to ensure that their ancestral languages do not go extinct.

The Silent Genocide: Aboriginal Language Loss FAQ

http://www.terry.ubc.ca/2013/10/16/the-silent-genocide-aboriginal-language-loss-faq/

This article goes into great lengths to highlight exactly what language extinction means for a culture and the wider communities. The writer highlights the causes of language loss as well as showing how prevalent of an issue it actually is within Canada and British Columbia. It shows how the problem can be traced to a number of different causes, including residential schools, government policies and the marginalization of Indigenous communities by mainstream society. In addition, the writer also makes strong arguments for possible solutions to the issue, including creating legal protection for Indigenous rights and cultures, and providing better funding to support Indigenous language revitalization efforts.

The fight to revitalize Canada’s indigenous languages

https://www.universityaffairs.ca/features/feature-article/fight-to-revitalize-canadas-indigenous-languages/

Though this article is a few years old, it highlights different methods being used to help revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada. The main focus is on the Yawenda project, which had the goal of helping to bring back the Wendat language by offering language courses, teacher training, and instructional material for a small group of students wanting to learn their ancestral tongue. Similar to other articles written about the topic in Canada, this one does highlight how language extinction is especially concerning in British Columbia where there is a small percentage of fluent speakers and most are over 65. The article also argues that in order to help revitalize the various languages, the focus should be on funding community-based projects that connect different generations of people, and on improving access to early-childhood immersion programs. The use of technology is also discussed as a possible positive option as it can help to bridge the geographic distances that separate many communities.

First Peoples’ Cultural Council

http://www.fpcc.ca/language/

This resource is a hub for a variety of other resources related to Indigenous People’s culture, some of which have been referenced in previous weblogs. The First Peoples’ Cultural Council aims to support Indigenous communities in British Columbia that are attempting to preserve and revitalize their languages. The organization works to fund different programs, such as the Language Nest, FirstVoices and the BC Language Initiative. In addition, the organization is an advocate for immersion-education programs. Beyond language, FPCC also has divisions for Arts and Culture and aim to provide programs and funding related to both those areas.

Say It First

https://www.sayitfirst.ca/

Say It First is an organization in Canada that is aiming to revitalize Indigenous Languages through connecting with communities and utilizing technology. The organization focuses on developing resources that will be used by children and families that want to try and reclaim their ancestral languages. The resources that they develop are designed to be used in school settings to help children work towards becoming fluent in their language. As the main target for the resources is younger children, the organization has created a variety of children’s books and YouTube shows that help to teach children their desired language. One of the excellent aspects of the books is that they combine the Indigenous Language, a phonetic break-down and the English translation of the words to help children learn. Here is an example of one of their children’s books.

Weblog 3 – Kenny Jamieson

Mi’gmaq Language Resources

http://migmaq.org/

This first resource is a collection of language resources for the Mi’gmaq language. What is interesting about this web resource is it is one that utilizes a variety of different tools for teaching the language. This is one of the more comprehensive resources that I have discovered so far. The Learning Mi’gmaq online portion of the resource is extremely detailed and set up in such a way that it can be used both by individuals and as a classroom support tool. The learning portion of the site also provides descriptions of how to say words and situations that they would be used in. Each section has an audio portion so that people can pick up on the intricacies of the words and phrases being learned. In addition to this main resource, the web page also has a quizlet section, a wiki page, a blog, a dictionary and links to both the Facebook and Twitter pages for the group.

Tusaalanga – Learn the Inuit Language

http://www.tusaalanga.ca/splash

This is a second teaching a language based resource that can be used as a comparison to the first. This resource is again quite comprehensive as a tool and collection of words and phrases from the Inuit language. This website is also set up to allow individuals to progress through at their own pace and to benefit from hearing how words and phrases are said. The lesson structure for this site is not quite as user friendly as the first tool, but it is set up in a sensible order. Much like the first resource, the feel of this tool is that it was designed after traditional second or additional language courses. It chooses to focus on words and phrases that people may think are important to know when attempting to learn a language. These first two resources also create an opportunity to ensure that their particular language is preserved and that learning it is made accessible to people who may live outside of the respective community.

First Peoples Principles of Learning

https://firstpeoplesprinciplesoflearning.wordpress.com/

The third resource that I wanted to include this week can be used for many different purposes. I chose to explore it from the standpoint of evaluating the first two resources and seeing how well they fit in with the First People’s principles of learning philosophy. As many web based language tools are likely being used by individuals and not in a face-to-face or group setting, it is important to evaluate if those tools are causing users to miss out on the important cultural aspect of language. Within this blog, the piece that I found related the most to my topic is the section that focuses on connectedness and sense of place. This section talks about how learning is a social process that benefits from the support of family and community. It can be helpful to critically evaluate the various online language learning tools that are available. In addition, educators may find this resource to be quite useful as a tool for better understanding the First People’s principles of learning.

Globe and Mail – Indigenous Language vital to telling Canada’s story

https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/indigenous-languages-are-vital-to-telling-canadas-story/article30016076/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&

The last two artifacts that I have included in this post focus on the impact of language loss on communities and cultures. This first, is written by former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson, and provides an interesting perspective on the importance of preserving Indigenous languages. The main argument in the article is that Canada has shown to be a country that accepts a variety of languages and though we are officially a bilingual country, it is understood that many people speak a different language at home. The article goes on to highlight the drastic decline in fluent speakers of Indigenous languages, in particular in British Columbia where for many Indigenous languages, only about one in twenty Indigenous people are fluent in their native language. Clarkson makes a strong argument that Indigenous languages are unique from other languages because of their importance to culture, heritage and individual identity. She states that “losing one’s language is like losing all freedom of expression.” As this article is written by someone previously in a government position, it allows some insight into how people outside of Indigenous communities can view language loss.

The Youth Journal – Language Loss

https://theyouthjournal.com/2017/07/27/language-loss-a-cultural-social-and-environmental-tragedy/

I found this article to be quite interesting as it provides a youth’s perspective on language loss and its impact on culture and communities. The writer of this post is not Indigenous, but she provides some interesting insight into the issues that various communities can face. From her writing, the passion she has for this topic is quite clear and it definitely highlights the impact that language loss can have on people, communities and cultures. The article focuses mostly on Canada and highlights the challenge faced by Indigenous communities as many of the fluent speakers of their respective languages are adults and elders. In addition, the article focuses on the impact that language assimilation can have on language loss. This is quite relevant to our current and past education systems.

Module 2 Weblog Posts 1 – 5 – Kenny Jamieson

For my second entry into the Weblog, working with some of the recommendations made by Professor Marker, I have attempted to focus my searching on the understanding the connection between language, culture and landscape. Also, in keeping in line with the focus on educating with technology, I have worked to find additional examples of ways that Indigenous languages are attempting to be preserved and passed on through using technology.

Last Fluent Stolo Speaker:

http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/last-fluent-stolo-speakers-language-lives-within-her

This first link is from the Vancouver Sun and the article and accompanying video highlight the efforts being taken to help preserve the Halq’emeylem language. This language is on the verge of no longer having any fluent speakers of it and the article highlights the importance of finding ways to help ensure future generations can become fluent in the language. Some interesting quick takeaways from the article and video are that one of the linguist’s working on preserving the language describes how context and pronunciation are just as important as dictionary definitions. She also speaks in the video about how knowing other languages can have a positive impact on the way you perceive the world.

Language and Identity, Language and the Land – Patricia Shaw

UBC E-Link – http://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/bcstudies/article/viewFile/1595/1636

This journal article from Patricia Shaw focuses on how language is a crucial part of identity and culture for Indigenous cultures. She compares the importance and impact of language on Indigenous identities to that of the English language on people who are native English speakers. This comparison is used to show the devastating effects of language extinction on Indigenous communities and how by losing their language it directly impacts their culture. Her article goes on to discuss how individual Indigenous languages have a direct tie to the landscape, and how understanding ones identity is linked to their ancestral language and land. As many Indigenous languages, lands and cultures go unrecognized, either through ignorance or other means, it becomes more challenging for communities to continue to value their heritage and ensure it is passed on to future generations. As Shaw’s article is centered around communities in British Columbia, her message and claims are quite powerful.

“Speaking with names” – Keith Basso

http://www.douri.sh/classes/readings/Basso-SpeakingWithNames-CultAnthro.pdf

Following one of the recommendations made by Professor Maker regarding my research statement, I looked into the work of Keith Basso. This essay is part of a larger collection titled “Wisdom Sits in Places” and this particular essay focuses on the connection between landscape, places and language among the Western Apache. Within the article, there is a particularly interesting section that details a short conversation between two members of the community. Through their conversation, it becomes clear that places have a unique significance in their culture and that places help connect people to their ancestors and that their language is also directly connected to places. Within the stories that the Western Apache tell, locations and places in which the stories take place are paramount. There is a line that states “Placeless events are an impossibility; everything that happens must happen somewhere”. I think this line in particular signifies the importance of place and land within Indigenous languages and cultures.

Indigenous Language Revitalization TEDx Talk – April Charlo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kuC_IemiCs

This TEDx video focuses on how languages are used as a way to help people create meaning and understanding of their world. The speaker goes on to discuss the concept of ownership, and how for some Indigenous communities, this is not an idea that exists naturally in their language. The reference she makes is focused specifically on the natural environment and how it is impossible to own things that occur naturally in the world. For many Indigenous communities, certain concepts were forced upon them and their languages and cultures were forced to adapt to new ideas in order to survive – such as the concept of owning land. The video also highlights the connection between Indigenous cultures, language, and the land by discussing the idea of owning water. For the communities being talked about, water was not something that could be owned but that one had to ask to use. The speaker’s community understood how vital water was to life and did not believe in owning it. The video highlights how languages can have important meanings that go with the words being used and show important connections that different groups can have to certain aspects of the environment.

How Technology is Saving Native Tribe Languages TEDx Talk – Darrick Baxter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPBI8oUXZ8Q

This video focuses on how utilizing technology as a way to teach a language, in this case Ojibway, can be beneficial for learners who are interested in technology. The speaker in the video created an app to engage his daughters with learning the Ojibway language after he found that other methods, such as books or audio CDs, were not as successful. The speaker also discusses how the source code for the app was released for other Indigenous groups to use to create their own language apps and how various groups have created apps as a way to preserve and teach their language. Apps continue to show up as ways for languages to be shared and learned. An interesting feature of the Ojibway app discussed in the video (available here – http://www.ogokilearning.com/ojibway/) is that it is designed to work offline so that those living in places without reliable internet connections can still use it.

Weblog of Websites 1 – Technology in BC

For this first Weblog Posting, I choose to try and focus on a few different areas. This is an area of study that I am brand new to and feel as if my knowledge is currently quite limited. I spread my focus onto first understanding the geographic location of the various Indigenous communities, then focusing on Indigenous organizations within British Columbia that have a technology component, and then adjusting my search to focus on looking at the impact of technology on language in Indigenous communities. The following are some of the various resources or sites that I visited and explored.

First Nations Profiles Interactive Map – http://fnpim-cippn.aandc-aadnc.gc.ca/index-eng.html

This first resource can be used to help identify the geographic location of the First Nations and Indigenous communities across Canada. This is a very helpful tool for those who may not be overly familiar with the communities that are around them. Within the interactive map, users can find information about the reserves in the area, links to the specific community’s website, and links to further information provided through the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada government site.

First Nations Technology Council – http://www.technologycouncil.ca/

This link is for the First Nations Technology Council, which is an organization whose focus is on ensuring that the First Nations communities in British Columbia are able to have internet access and the ability to use digital technologies effectively. Among many goals, one that the Council has is to provide training and education programs focused around developing digital skills. The most interesting parts of the site are the Talent Development, Bridging to Technology and Knowledge Network tabs. On those pages, visitors can find various ways to get involved in programs centered around technology or to connect with possible mentors. The Knowledge Network tab allows you to connect to the First Nations in BC Knowledge Network (https://fnbc.info/), which is a site developed by the FTNC to share resources amongst the various Indigenous communities in BC. Though to access the resources, you must sign up as a member.

Denise Williams on Internet Technology and First Nations Education https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1RUesqalw4&t=6s

Denise Williams is Executive Director of the First Nations Technology Council. After identifying her role, I was able to discover this video of where she shares her views on Internet Technology and First Nations Education. One of the main points that she makes in the video, is that through increased access to the internet, Indigenous communities can benefit from having better access to resources and experts. She also goes on to discuss the digital divide that can occur for students depending on how effectively they can access necessary resources and utilize digital technologies. In addition to her video, many other engaging and interesting videos of similar topics are available in the “Up Next” or “Suggested Videos” sections.

First Voices – http://www.firstvoices.com/en/apps

This site is focused on providing a platform for Indigenous communities to archive and share their language. Within the site, there are a wide variety of languages available to access, learn about and practice words and phrases. Each language is offered its own platform, which contains audio files, games, and other useful links or tools. Most interesting about this site, is the apps page. Through here, you can find a link to the iOS and Android apps stores, where you can download the First Voices Keyboard app. This app contains software that allows users to change their mobile devices keyboard to their mother language. The keyboard software is currently available for over 100 languages of Indigenous communities across North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Kwi Awt Stelmexw: A platform for Arts and Education – https://www.kwiawtstelmexw.com/

This website focuses on promoting the Squamish Peoples culture, language and heritage. The staff and volunteers involved with the organization look to find ways to allow people to engage with Squamish heritage and to provide educational opportunities based around Squamish culture and language. The education page on the site provides insight into the different educational programs and opportunities offered. The main focus within that section is on teaching the Squamish Peoples language and helping those who want to learn and preserve their language.