Centre tries to fill gap in Indigenous language programs in Ottawa – capitalcurrent.ca

The lack of Indigenous language programs troubles Juliana Strickland, a Mohawk and Grade 9 student at Canterbury High School.

Language is not only a form of communication, Strickland says, it is also something that preserves and reclaims culture.

In 2019, the Indigenous Languages Act received Royal Assent. The act, “is intended to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintaining and strengthening of Indigenous languages in Canada,” reads its website. But that initiative is not necessarily being felt on the ground.

“My family lost the [Mohawk] language in four generations, and currently, I’m trying to learn it back, but I don’t have many resources,” said Strickland. “[An indigenous language program at school] would really help me learn back the language and help with reconciliation for future generations and other people who are in my position.”

Read More: https://capitalcurrent.ca/centre-fights-for-schools-to-implement-indigenous-language-programs-a-step-towards-reconciliation/