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2024 pimācīhitatān nēhiyawēwin (Keep Our Language Alive) Conference
Thank you to everyone who attended and sponsored the 2024 pimācīhitatān nēhiyawēwin: Keep Our Language Alive Conference, hosted at Dakota Dunes Resort, located on traditional Whitecap Dakota Unceded Territory.
The theme of the Conference was “Awakening the Spirit of the Language”. Our goal was to inspire aspiring speakers, teachers and instructors, community leaders and policy makers in their journey to reinvigorate Indigenous language development.
Our Pre-Conference Workshop provided participants with the opportunity to work collaboratively to create a bank of Cree Language Outcomes and Indicators that are matched with provincial outcomes and indicators.
Read our 2024 Keep the Language Alive Conference Report at the link at the bottom of this page.
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2023 pimācīhitatān nēhiyawēwin (Keep Our Language Alive) Conference
The 2023 conference brought together over 200 people interested in developing and retaining the Cree Language in our communities.
Participants said they enjoyed learning about:
· New and innovative ways to teach the Cree Language (Plains Indian Sign Language, traditional hand signals, technologies like apps, games, etc., and using humour in teaching)
· Cree Language history/cultural and ceremonial teachings from Elders
· The importance of retaining the Cree language – brings us together/connects us (unity), connection between language and trauma, key to prosperity, language is medicine, part of the circle of life.
The Conference Report provides a summary of what we learned from the conference speakers, as well as what we learned from those who participated. In summary, the feedback gathered indicates there is interest in the work we are doing, and in fact, people see it as vital to our success as Indigenous People. In addition to the conference survey, we heard from numerous participants about the dire situation that exists in some communities when it comes to language retention, and the lack of leadership when it comes to addressing this issue. There is also a clear desire for Cree Language curriculum and for the involvement of our youth as we move forward.
Read our 2024 Conference Report at the link at the bottom of this page.