Federal funding provides boost to Mi’kmaw language revitalization

The Mi’kmaw education organization in Nova Scotia is receiving a much-needed boost from the federal government in the form of $7.1 million to help revitalize the province’s Indigenous language. Mi’kmaw speakers are thrilled about this funding, as it will help address the pressing issue of language loss within their communities.

Blaire Gould, the executive director of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, emphasized the importance of preserving the Mi’kmaw language, especially in smaller communities where the number of fluent speakers is dwindling. She shared her concerns about the elderly speakers in Annapolis Valley First Nation and the urgent need to pass on the language to younger generations before it’s too late.

Eskasoni First Nation, the largest Mi’kmaw community in Atlantic Canada, is leading the way with the province’s only Mi’kmaw language immersion school. This initiative has been instrumental in promoting the language and instilling a sense of pride among Mi’kmaw speakers.

In 2022, Mi’kmaw was officially recognized as Nova Scotia’s first language, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to preserve Indigenous languages. However, there is still work to be done to ensure the language thrives for future generations.

Statistics Canada recently reported a nearly six percent increase in the number of Mi’kmaw speakers between 2016 and 2021. While this may indicate a growing interest in the language, Gould cautioned that more needs to be done to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Sydney-Victoria Liberal MP Jaime Battiste, a resident of Eskasoni, highlighted the challenges of maintaining fluency in the Mi’kmaw language. Despite the presence of the immersion school, many young people struggle to incorporate the language into their daily lives.

Battiste stressed the importance of instilling a lifelong love for the language, starting with the youth. He acknowledged the need for ongoing efforts to promote Mi’kmaw as an integral part of everyday life, rather than just a school subject.

The funding from Heritage Canada will play a crucial role in supporting language programs over the next five years, with a focus on engaging young people in Mi’kmaw language learning. This investment will help ensure the preservation and revitalization of the Mi’kmaw language for generations to come.

In conclusion, the federal government’s support for Mi’kmaw language revitalization is a significant step towards preserving this vital aspect of Indigenous culture. By investing in language programs and engaging the youth, Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia are working towards a future where their language thrives and flourishes.