Language

In this section, you will learn about Indigenous languages in what is now known as Alberta.

Introduction

Culture and language are intrinsically linked; language is culture. Language encapsulates worldview, teachings, identity, spirituality, history, ancestors, and connection to the land.1 Knowledge of the earth, land and how we live in balance with it is found in Indigenous languages.2   Language influences relationships. The authors of Naturalizing Indigenous Knowledge, Our Languages Guide Us in our Relationships (2007) state that  “we understand the world in terms of relationships, so when others came to share our lands, we treated them as we would treat our relatives: according to our respect, kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness.”3 

Diverse Languages

Distinct and diverse Indigenous languages have been spoken across this land since time immemorial. There are three language family groups that are original to this land now known as Alberta: Algonquian, Athapaskan, and Siouan. The Algonquian language family group includes Nēhiyawēwin (Cree) and Siksikáí’powahsin (Blackfoot) which is inclusive of four nations Siksiká (Blackfoot), Aapátohsipikani (North Piikani), Aamsskáápipikani (South Piikani) and Kainai (Blood). Dene Sųłiné (Athapaskan) includes Dane-zaa (Beaver) originally spoken throughout the north as well as within the Tsuu t’ina (Sarcee) nation. The Siouan language family group within Alberta includes Nakoda (Stoney and Assiniboine). Many other Indigenous languages are also spoken in Alberta by Indigenous Peoples whose first language originates from other parts of  Turtle Island.

Métis

Michif, the distinct language of the Métis, is spoken in Alberta and throughout the Métis homeland. Métis in Alberta speak two dialects of Michif: Heritage Michif, and

Northern Michif.  As Rupertsland Institute explains in the Languages of Métis: Métis Foundational Knowledge Theme: “Multilingualism has long been an important attribute of Métis identity. Historically, Métis children across the Homeland learned Michif at home, often together with other languages, including nehiyawewin (Cree), English, or Français (French).”5 

The Métis Nation of Alberta affirms this, sharing that:

The Michif language is a combination of French nouns and Cree verbs and is spoken by Métis in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. Depending on the region, the language spoken may be Michif-Anishnaabe or Michif-Cree. The highest numbers of Michif speakers are found in the Prairies. Many Métis people also speak Cree, which is more widely spoken than Michif.6

Inuit

Inuit Nunangat represents Inuit and Inuvialuit from all four northern regions. There are currently 9 writing systems across Inuit Nunangat.  In efforts to maintain, protect and revitalize the language, a unified written system; Inuktut Qaliujaaqpait, was developed by Inuit representing each region across Inuit Nunangat. Inuktitut (Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik) and Inuvialuktun (Northwest Territories) are the spoken languages in Inuit Nunangat  Alaskan and Labradorian communities may not be able to easily communicate, although communities that are close in proximity can understand each other’s dialects.7 “Vocabulary and pronunciation vary from place to place and between generations. Up until 50 years ago, most Nunavut Inuit lived in isolated camps where distinct speech forms evolved. As they settled into permanent communities, speakers of varying dialects often became neighbours in the same hamlet. Today, fluent speakers in all parts of Nunavut can normally understand each other with only minor difficulties.  

Decimating  Languages

Prior to colonization there were close to 300 Indigenous languages spoken in what is now Canada with only 70 still spoken today.9 15.6 percent of the Indigenous population are able to conduct conversations in an Indigenous language, according to census data from Statistics Canada 2016.10 Aggressive assimilation policies and attitudes attempted to forcibly decimate Indigenous languages. In residential schools, Indigenous students were taught that their languages were inferior, unsophisticated and, in many cases, ‘evil.’ Spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional punishment was used to enforce the banning of Indigenous languages in residential and day schools. 11  Negative perceptions gave rise to justifications for devaluing Indigenous languages to the point where many Indigenous Peoples choose not to pass down their mother tongue for fear of harsh punishment, exclusion, and ostracization. The demeaning of Indigenous languages has resulted in generations of people who have been severely disconnected from inherent worldviews, connection to land, stories, and terms of endearment embedded in language. 

The president of  Nunavut Tunngavik Inc (NTI), Aluki Kotierk, states “Education in Nunavut has a history of cultural genocide, linguicide, ecocide and historicide, and this continues today.”12   According to a report done for NTI, Nunavut’s poor record in Inuit language education is related to many harms, including “ecocide” (making people poor); “historicide” (exclusion from history); “ecocide” (killing the environment) and “linguicide” (killing a language.) 13  

Language Resurgence

Indigenous languages are resurging as concerted efforts are made to create accessible resources for language learners. There are books, apps, websites, videos, and posters readily available. Educators can make efforts to seek the original language of the land in which they are on and find opportunities to weave in language learning throughout subject areas. For example, there continue to be many original place names that are common to the average Albertan such as ‘Wetaskiwin’ which is Cree word derived from wītaskīwin-ispatinaw meaning ‘the hills where peace was made.’ Original place names are one way of connecting with Indigenous languages while celebrating the beauty and richness of the interconnectedness language has with the natural world and worldviews embedded in language. Seeking and teaching examples like this creates opportunities to learn about language origin, meaning, and story, which is one way of igniting deeper understandings of Indigenous languages and history. Stories from the Land is one resource to access when looking for language and land entry points. There are many ways to access, incorporate and celebrate the resilience of Indigenous languages. One of the most important is to develop relationships with local Indigenous language speakers who will help nurture reconciliation and provide entry points for further learning. 

Survive and Thrive

Although many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who attended residential schools and day schools were severely punished through extreme physical and emotional abuse for speaking their language, Indigenous Peoples and languages have survived.

Indigenous languages are sophisticated, beautiful, and rich. Educators need to be aware of the connection between culture, language, and identity. Language connects people to families, history, ancestors, Elders, knowledge keepers, stories, and land.14   Presently, community-based programs are making strides in language revitalization. Within education systems, the movement towards immersion is backed by research showing that immersion is the most effective method for language acquisition.15   On the world stage, the United Nations declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages, stating that Indigenous languages “matter for development, peacebuilding, and reconciliation.”16   The sentiment continues beyond the scope of 2019 and, with renewed focus moving forward, Indigenous languages will thrive and flourish.

2022-2032 has been declared the Decade of Indigenous Languages by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) . The declaration emphasizes the dire need to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages at national and international levels. The declaration also emphasizes the necessity to use Indigenous languages within systems such as judicial, media, labour, health, and education. 17 

Indigenous Languages in Education

Alberta Education has acknowledged the importance of preserving, maintaining, strengthening, and revitalizing Indigenous languages. Several districts have developed and implemented Indigenous language and culture programming.