Re: CNN Documentary on Native Americans
Mary.Ojibway (20676mkb@msu.edu)
Thu, 21 Jul 1994 07:16:00 EDT
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is also using some of their
casino money (and income from other companies they have diversified into) to
fund a tribal school that will include language instruction. At the end of a
week long tribal assembly earlier this month, Father John Haskell ended the
gathering with a prayer. The last three phrases were "learn your language,
learn your language, learn you language". I hope many people will take that
message to heart and to action. Also, a friend of mine is currently at
Lakehead State University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. For the last three years or
so she has attended the "Native Language Instructors Program". It is my
impression that they concentrate not on any specific language but rather
pedagogic techniques and a broader understanding of linguistics. I get the
impression that most of those in attendance are already native speakers who
are being trained to be better teachers. I am certain someone at that college
could give you an idea of some language revival programs to contact in Canada.
In the last few years, I have noticed a spate of mini-language camps and
seminars designed to pique the interest of those who might not otherwise
embark on a language study course. I have only been to one such "camp" but it
was wonderful. It was an attempt at the "full immersion" method and included
talks on all sorts of traditional topics, nature walks familiarizing one with
native names for common plants and animals, etc. I don't know if something
like that would meet your criterion for a language program but they are
certainly inspiring many people to tackle the difficult task of learning their
ancestral tongues. Out here.
Kate Oj.