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YXE Cree Speakers Society
Revitalizing and strengthening culture through the Indigenous language of the region.
Awakening the Spirit of the Language
The Conference is now SOLD OUT! We look forward to sharing information about what was learned at the conference in the near future.
Our 2024 Conference theme was determined through our consultations where we heard of the limitations when language teaching and strategies are separated from spirit. Our goal is to inspire aspiring speakers, teachers and instructors, community leaders and policy makers in their journey of language revitalization and reclamation. The focus on the Plains Cree “Y” dialect has been deliberate. We have learned that most institutions are mandated to support all Indigenous languages with limited resources, hence our decision to narrow the focus and then share what we learn with others. It is in this spirit of sharing and learning that we have guest speakers from other Nations. Our guest speakers for this year’s conference are Aiyana Twigg and Dr. Lanny Real Bird. They will share strategies for “reclaiming our space”.
We look forward to learning and sharing with all of you. Other presenters at this year’s conference include:
· Darian Âcikahtê
· Steven Andreas
· Falynn Baptiste
· Clint Chocan
· Mika Lafond
· Kevin Lewis
· Patrick Mitsuing
· Izaiah Swampy Omeasoo
· Daniel Sangrey
· Dorothy Thunder
· Winston Walkingbear
· Jeff Wastesicoot
· Nina Wilson
Pre-Conference Workshop: May 12, 2024 (10:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Follow-up discussions with 2023 conference participants identified the need to create time and space to identify where Cree Language Outcomes and Indicators meet the provincial outcomes and indicators. The workshop will provide up to 30 participants the opportunity to work collaboratively to create a bank of Cree Language Outcomes and Indicators that are matched with provincial outcomes and indicators. Location and Registration will be separate from the 2024 conference.
Please see our Events page for more details on the conference and the Conference Agenda.
The YXE Cree Speakers Society Project
Our Purpose
Research to Date
Our Purpose
To identify the programs, research, reports and other supports that have successfully impacted Plains Cree language development to date.
· To identify lessons learned from past language development strategies.
· To create an inventory of existing strategies for the purpose of introducing innovative products to support the Plains Cree (Y di
To identify the programs, research, reports and other supports that have successfully impacted Plains Cree language development to date.
· To identify lessons learned from past language development strategies.
· To create an inventory of existing strategies for the purpose of introducing innovative products to support the Plains Cree (Y dialect) language development and retention.
The Plains Cree (Y) dialect was chosen as it was noted that most organizations attempting to further Indigenous language development have limited funding with their broad mandates of including all Indigenous languages.
Funding
Research to Date
Our Purpose
In 2021-22 the YXE Cree Speakers’ Society was awarded funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage to be used over a two-year period to:
· Engage with grassroots fluent Plains Cree Language speakers through Roundtable discussions to share successes in Cree language development and to identify areas that require additional supports or
In 2021-22 the YXE Cree Speakers’ Society was awarded funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage to be used over a two-year period to:
· Engage with grassroots fluent Plains Cree Language speakers through Roundtable discussions to share successes in Cree language development and to identify areas that require additional supports or changes.
· Conduct a survey with Indigenous peoples aged 18-30 who are interested in learning the Plains Cree Language and/or have taken Cree classes in the past and ask for their feedback on what they require to help them continue to develop their own Cree Language practice.
· Create an inventory of research, projects, reports, conferences, and programs that support the teaching of the Cree Language.
· Gather together with those interested in developing and retaining the Plains Cree Language to collectively identify innovative strategies for moving forward.
Research to Date
Research to Date
Research to Date
Roundtables with Fluent Plains Cree Language Speakers (January to March 2022)
Discussions held at River Cree Resort & Casina (Enoch Cree Nation) and Dakota Dunes Resort (Whitecap Dakota First Nation).
identified lessons learned from past language development strategies and the need to introduce more innovative products to support the Plain
Roundtables with Fluent Plains Cree Language Speakers (January to March 2022)
Discussions held at River Cree Resort & Casina (Enoch Cree Nation) and Dakota Dunes Resort (Whitecap Dakota First Nation).
identified lessons learned from past language development strategies and the need to introduce more innovative products to support the Plains Cree (Y dialect) language development and retention.
Aspiring Plains Cree Speakers Survey (March to April 2022)
Conducted with 18-30 year-olds who have participated in formal or community-based Cree language programming in the past 25 years, the survey found a desire for learning programs that connect with culture, use storytelling and are project-based. Technology would also help with pronunciation, as well as affordable and accessible Language classes in all levels of schooling.