Tag Archives: Plains Cree

Module 3: Post 2: Language Nest

Apihtaikosisan is a website created by a Metis woman who comes from a Plains Cree speaking community but is currently located in an urban setting.  She is a qualified teacher and has experiences teaching in Native communities in the North West Territories.  Her passion is language revitalization.  In her website, she has a blog, a hall of shame which shows images that currently misrepresent Indigenous peoples, and shares educational resources and Indigenous art.  She has started her own language nest.  A language nest is usually a school or pre-school where children are immersed in their Indigenous language and learn traditional crafts.  In creating her school, she followed 5 rules : “Rule 1: Never ask permission, never beg to save the language. Go ahead and get started, don’t wait even five minutes. Don’t wait for a grant. Rule 2: Don’t debate the issues. Rule 3: Be very action-oriented: just act. Rule 4: Show, don’t tell. Don’t talk about what you will do. Do it and show it.”

It is inspiring reading about a woman who is very passionate about saving her culture and language.  Through the Internet, I think it is easier for Indigenous leaders and followers to connect and make a change in revitalizing and evolving their culture.

http://apihtawikosisan.com/