Post by blackcrowheart on Oct 29, 2005 12:02:14 GMT -5
Keeping their language alive
By MelissaNelson
Saanich News contributor
Oct 26 2005
UVic program revitalizes First Nations' languages
Virginia Thomas is working hard to help revive her language.
A member of the Tsawout Band, Thomas is participating in a new UVic program intended to help reverse the loss of aboriginal languages.
The 35-year-old is also being mentored as a language-teacher-in-training at the Saanich Tribal School.
Her goal is to become a certified Sencoten instructor.
"The language helps us identify ourselves as Saanich people," says Thomas. "Place names, family names are all in Sencoten. My culture is important to me, and I really want to understand that."
The Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization, a partnership between UVic and the En'owkin Centre in Penticton, is the first of its kind in B.C.
Through a combination of summer intensives and electives, it teaches a range of strategies for reviving threatened languages, from offering language classes to developing community programs that ensure a language is used regularly.
Twelve students, including Thomas, participated in this summer's inaugural session.
"Language is central to cultural identity and strength," says Joy Davis, Director of Cultural Management Programs at UVic. "This program came about because we recognized that languages are in crisis, and that we have the capacity to help."
According to the First People's Heritage, Language and Culture Council, all 41 aboriginal languages in B.C. fall within the endangered category.
A language is classified as endangered when there are less than 200 fluent speakers.
Thomas says Sencoten has been taught on her reserve since the 1980s.
Despite the hard work of many people committed to preserving the language, there's still more to do to make it an integral part of community life.
Thomas took lessons in school, but didn't speak it at home. She says she's not fluent.
This winter, UVic has partnered with the Saanich Native Heritage Society and the Cowichan Tribes to offer language courses in both communities, for community members and UVic students.
Community members are now eligible to gain qualifying student status at UVic, allowing them to earn credit for the courses for the first time.
Thomas will put the Sencoten course towards her revitalization certificate. She says she's honoured to be part of the program and the teaching at the tribal school.
"I've learned so much about the importance of our language," says Thomas. "It's deepened my passion to learn it and share it with the children."
www.saanichnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=28&cat=23&id=517156&more=
By MelissaNelson
Saanich News contributor
Oct 26 2005
UVic program revitalizes First Nations' languages
Virginia Thomas is working hard to help revive her language.
A member of the Tsawout Band, Thomas is participating in a new UVic program intended to help reverse the loss of aboriginal languages.
The 35-year-old is also being mentored as a language-teacher-in-training at the Saanich Tribal School.
Her goal is to become a certified Sencoten instructor.
"The language helps us identify ourselves as Saanich people," says Thomas. "Place names, family names are all in Sencoten. My culture is important to me, and I really want to understand that."
The Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization, a partnership between UVic and the En'owkin Centre in Penticton, is the first of its kind in B.C.
Through a combination of summer intensives and electives, it teaches a range of strategies for reviving threatened languages, from offering language classes to developing community programs that ensure a language is used regularly.
Twelve students, including Thomas, participated in this summer's inaugural session.
"Language is central to cultural identity and strength," says Joy Davis, Director of Cultural Management Programs at UVic. "This program came about because we recognized that languages are in crisis, and that we have the capacity to help."
According to the First People's Heritage, Language and Culture Council, all 41 aboriginal languages in B.C. fall within the endangered category.
A language is classified as endangered when there are less than 200 fluent speakers.
Thomas says Sencoten has been taught on her reserve since the 1980s.
Despite the hard work of many people committed to preserving the language, there's still more to do to make it an integral part of community life.
Thomas took lessons in school, but didn't speak it at home. She says she's not fluent.
This winter, UVic has partnered with the Saanich Native Heritage Society and the Cowichan Tribes to offer language courses in both communities, for community members and UVic students.
Community members are now eligible to gain qualifying student status at UVic, allowing them to earn credit for the courses for the first time.
Thomas will put the Sencoten course towards her revitalization certificate. She says she's honoured to be part of the program and the teaching at the tribal school.
"I've learned so much about the importance of our language," says Thomas. "It's deepened my passion to learn it and share it with the children."
www.saanichnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=28&cat=23&id=517156&more=