National Aboriginal Language Day Poster

Celebrate National Aboriginal Language Day. March 31st, 2007
Caitlin W. Morrison
Indigenous Studies, Trent University.

Boozhoo, Aaniin, Sek:on, Tansi!! Greetings!

Prior to the colonization of Turtle Island, now known as North America, approximately 300 Indigenous languages were spoken. These languages have variations of dialects and distinct, diverse cultures associated with them. The spread of Western settlement, disease and later on harsh assimilation policies resulted in the disintegration of Indigenous populations, languages and cultures, and now Indigenous languages are on the brink of disappearing forever if the process of reclamation and revitalization is not acted upon. Indigenous Elders, the ones who know and hold the languages best, are passing on and with them go our traditional teachings and values instilled within the languages: the cornerstones of our various Indigenous cultures.

On March 27th, 1989 a resolution was passed by The Assembly of First Nations to declare March 31st National Aboriginal Language Day. This is a day to promote the use of Indigenous languages in the work place and/or social setting. In the "Declaration of National Aboriginal Language Day" it states that:

Recently an unsettling article was written in The Toronto Star about the decline and loss of Indigenous Languages around the world with a focus here in Canada. This however, is not a recent discovery and Indigenous communities are well aware that their languages are in danger if not extinct already. Some communities are taking the initiative to revitalize their languages by starting compulsory immersion programs in their schools where the courses are delivered in the community’s language. It is predicted that at the current rate of language loss, only three out of fifty Indigenous language groups in Canada will survive the next century: Inuktitut (Inuit language), Cree, and Ojibwe (Calamai, 2007).

The Anishinabek Nation also known as the Union of Ontario Indians which represents 42 Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe First Nation) communities, will be ratifying an "Agreement in Principle" (AIP), which includes a section on an "Anishinabek Education System" and will have a mandate for immersion Ojibwe language programs in all affiliated community schools. This is a positive step towards the preservation and promotion of Indigenous language use in younger generations. It is our right and responsibility as Indigenous peoples to reclaim and speak our languages, otherwise they will vanish completely.

So this March 31st, do your part and speak your Indigenous language with your friends, your co-workers and/ your family. If you don’t know an Indigenous language, take the opportunity to learn one and the rich and diverse culture associated with it. There are many resources available in the form of school texts, story books, tapes and cds and numerous online sites. Both the Ojibwe language and Mohawk language are offered at Trent University.

The Ojibwe language courses are offered at the Introductory to Advanced levels next fall, and Introductory Mohawk will also be offered.

For more information on Anishinaabemowin- Ojibwe language courses contact Shirley Williams at (705) 748-1011 ext. 7477 by email siwilliams@trentu.ca or check out the Indigenous Studies website at: http://www.trentu.ca/academic/nativestudies/courses/courses.html

Minawaanigozin gikinoo’amaagoziyan! - Have a good time learning!

References:
Calamai, P. Native Voices Going Extinct: A few tongues survive in Canada. February 18th, 2007. Retrieved online from: http://www.thestar.com/article/183040 February 19th, 2007.

Native Languages of the Americas: Preserving and promoting American Indian languages. Retrieved online from: http://www.native-languages.org/ March 11, 2007.

The Collector’s Guide: Indigenous Language Institute. Language is the Soul of a Nation. 2007. Retrieved online from: http://www.collectorsguide.com/fa/fa059.shtml March 11, 2007.

The Union of Ontario Indians. Restoration of Jurisdiction Program- Anishinabek Education System. Retrieved online from: http://www.anishinabek.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=139& Itemid=9 March 11, 2007.