Ktaqmkuk Mi'kmaw Fluency Project

Wli L’nuey Na’kwek!! (Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!!) Our Executive Director, mentor and teacher, Dean Simon was in St. John's today to give an opening speech in Mi'kmaw for the First Light NIPD Mawio'mi. Wel-lukwen Ti'n!!

We've made incredible progress in our first year, helping and supporting so many Mi'kmaq on their journeys of cultural reclamation. Language is central to Indigenous culture. The progress of all our students, connecting with and growing their abilities to read, write and speak Mi'kmaw acts like a giant gust of wind in our sails. As we continue our journey into Year 2 of the Ktaqmkuk Mi'kmaw Fluency Project, here's a look back at our first set of immersion trips to Unama'ki. Wela'liek to all of our supporters and students; together we will bring fluency back to Ktaqmkuk (island of Newfoundland). #indigenouslanguage #languagereclamation #firstnations #mikmaq #lnuk (if only hashtags were not so colonial 😉)

This past weekend, our documentary entitled Asoqmita'yek (We are crossing over), debuted at the People and the Sea Film Festival in Norris Point, NL (aka beautiful Gros Morne). We received such a great and welcoming reception; Wela'liek to the event organizers for including our film, our story. We're doing great things, and this film is just the tip of the iceberg. For those who were not at the screening, here is a link to watch our documentary on YouTube. Hope you enjoy!! (Link in comments) #indigenouslanguagereclamation #indigenouslanguage #mikmaq

October is Mi'kmaw History Month, and we are excited to announce that our documentary, shot during one of our mini-immersion trips, will be showcased at the People of the Sea Film Festival, on October 20th. https://lnkd.in/eddYJ2zH

Did you know there are over 70 distinct Indigenous languages in Canada, each with their own unique history, culture, knowledge, and worldview? Let's work together to keep these languages alive for future generations. #IndigenousLanguages #CulturalHeritage #IndigenousCulture #LanguageRevitalization #LanguageMatters #IndigenousKnowledge

Our Fall session of free zoom lessons are beginning Sept 9, 10, 11, 12. If you are hoping to repeat Level 1, please check your emails and respond quickly. We are opening registration to our waiting list this morning. There are only 80 spots and there are 60 plus on our waiting list. Level 1 and Level 2 grads from last winter session, as well as Level 2 and Level 3 repeaters are automatically registered. If you wish to join the waiting list please visit www.mikmawfluency.ca Our classes are from September to June.

This is a wonderful article from The Walrus that underscores the importance of Indigenous Language reclamation, and the impact it will have on our natural environment. Yes, we are learning more than just words, we are learning our culture and how we are connected to nature, when we learn our language. Msɨt Noʼkmaq (all my relations - we are all connected). https://lnkd.in/gSkH8Jmc

Wel-lukwen!! Great job!! Would love to see (and hear) Star Wars in Mi'kmaw some day.

🌿 Did you know that #IndigenousLanguages have a strong connection to the land? 💬 Our beautiful languages each carry stories, teachings, and traditional knowledge. On #WorldEnvironmentDay, the Commission reaffirms its objective of promoting and educating about the importance of Indigenous languages and supporting Indigenous peoples as they strengthen and preserve all Indigenous languages for future generations. 🌎

How long will it take for this technology to make its way towards Indigenous languages in Canada? We can dream of the day when something like this could instantly translate content into Mi'kmaw, and then into different regional dialects. But first, we need more speakers and resources.