The Dehcho First Nations are receiving an SSHRC grant for a national partnership, NEȾOLṈEW̱ (‘One Mind, One People‘).
The research grant will focus on saving Indigenous languages. It’s aiming to help Indigenous adults better understand and pass on their language.
The Partnership includes nine Indigenous partners from across the country:
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council – serving all BC languages.
- WSANEC School Board – SENCOTEN.
- Chief Atahm School – Secwepemc, BC.
- University of Blue Quills – nêhiyawêwin and Dene, St. Paul, AB.
- Kenjgewin Teg – Anishinaabemowin Manitoulin, ON.
- Kahnawake Education Centre – Kanien’keha, Kahnawake, QB.
- Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna – Kanyen’keha, Tyendinaga, ON.
- Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey – Mi’kmay, Sydney, NS.
- Dehcho First Nations – Dene Zhatie, Fort Simpson, NWT.
According to NEȾOLṈEW̱, “Indigenous languages all over Canada are at risk of extinction within one generation.”
Doctors Onowa McIvor and Peter Jacobs will be leading the six-year project. The pair met as doctoral students at UBC in 2010.
