Posted on February 20, 2019 by Charity Gladstone
The Bakuemgyala Language Group is a community based group working collectively to revitalize the Kwakwala/Likwala language.
The Bakuemgyala Language Group has been undertaking substantial updating of its community-based program and conducting extensive discussions on the approach with key stakeholders such as local Elders, mentees and youth. The community-based program has been developed recognizing that languages are in crisis and that urgent action is required to address the loss of language in our families, homes and communities. Thus, to advocate the preservation of Kwakwala/Likwala language, culture, traditional arts and history. Ultimately, the programs goal is to increase the number of Kwakwala/Likwala language speakers.
Posted on by Charity Gladstone
Elder involvement is an essential element in the development of programming for the Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program.
Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program provides two half-day sessions four days a week that prepare Indigenous children for their school years by meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs. They provide programming in six core areas: education and school readiness, Indigenous culture and language, parental involvement, health promotion, nutrition, and social support. Thus, it is an essential consideration to involve Elders for early learning programs in the Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program when developing programming. Elders, like Sophia Hansen, are very important members of the Laichwiltach Family Life Society. The term ‘Elder’ refers to someone who has attained a high degree of understanding of First Nation history, teachings, ceremonies, and language. Elders have earned the right to pass this knowledge on to others and to give advice and guidance on personal issues, as well as on issues affecting their communities and nations. It is also important to work collaboratively with the Elder in understanding the specific teachings and beliefs for the Laichwiltach Family Life Society as it relates to Kwakwala/Likwala language.
Posted on by kenthenthomas
Secwepemc Stories and storytelling _ Stsepkwelle “Legends That Teach”
Kenthen Thomas is a storyteller from the Secwepemc Nation. He has been storytelling since he was a youngster. The Secwepemc stories or ‘Stsepetkwll’ – Legends That Teach” are stories that not only provide entertainment but they also provide lessons. Kenthen claims to have about 30 stories in his personal arsenal that are ready to be shared and taught when needed. Performing in schools and other venues worldwide, Kenthen brings the stories of his ancestors to life and gives his due to the real owners of the stories, the future generations.
Posted on by Catherine Charest
Ce projet a pour objectif d’inciter les jeunes décrocheurs à retourner à l’école afin qu’ils terminent leurs cours de base. Puis, ces derniers participeront à un stage qui les mènera sur le marché du travail. Le programme s’adresse aux jeunes âgés de 15 à 21 ans. This story is not available in English. Please select […]
Ce projet a pour objectif d’inciter les jeunes décrocheurs à retourner à l’école afin qu’ils terminent leurs cours de base. Puis, ces derniers participeront à un stage qui les mènera sur le marché du travail. Le programme s’adresse aux jeunes âgés de 15 à 21 ans.
This story is not available in English. Please select another language option.
Posted on by Trisha Campbell
Philip Brass advocates that land-based activities are memorable experiences that can plant a seed to propagate relationships with the landscape and the ecosystem.
In 2014, Philip Brass began to work with his band, Peepeekisis Cree Nation, as the Community Wellness Coordinator at the Health Centre. His goal at the time was to reach out and connect with youth during a time of violence, vandalism, and gang activity. He offered to go hunting with some of the youth as a way to connect with those that were tough to reach, and eventually he introduced them to ceremony. Getting the youth involved in traditional values and practices resulted in a positive ripple effect throughout the community. His work with the youth continued with the File Hills Police Service and then working within the schools on-reserve and off-reserve, in nearby towns, within Prairie Valley School Division and Treaty 4 Education Alliance. Some land-based activities Brass has led with youth include: fishing, filleting workshops, hunting big game, hunting small game, talking circles, sweats, and attending ceremonies. He has been a valuable resource for teachers that are having difficulty navigating issues on reconciliation, the history of colonialism, and on-going Indigenous struggles within Saskatchewan and Canada. Philip has witnessed how the land can be a powerful tool for learning, engaging, and shifting negative behavioural patterns in youth. Philip infers that for Indigenous people to reconnect with their languages, land-based activities are essential because languages are emergent from those activities and gives language relevance.
