Celebrating First Nations Languages February 2021
Posted on February 12, 2021
FNEAA celebrates First Nations languages in the month of February 2021. There are many ways to honour First Nations languages by speaking, learning new words, and practicing daily.
You can learn new words and language from your grandparents, parents, and elders in your community. You can learn First Nations languages on the internet through interactive language learning programs, including online dictionaries. You can learn First Nations languages in the classroom in your community or college and university.
It is up to all of us to revitalize and reinvigorate First Nations languages in our families, communities, and nations.
Some Online Resources:
Indigenous languages—Learning and Teaching Resources
https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/ressources-resources/autochtones-aboriginals/apprentissage-learning-eng
Indigenous languages—Glossaries, Dictionaries and Writing Resources
https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/ressources-resources/autochtones-aboriginals/dictionnaire-dictionaries-eng
International Mother Language Day – February 21st
https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
Family Day Message
Family Day is February 15, 2021 and celebrated across Canada. This holiday celebrates the importance of families, family values, and family life to people and their communities.
This year, we celebrate a little differently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On February 15th, contact extended family members safely by phone, online video chats, and social distancing. As we celebrate Family Day in the safety of our homes, reach out to relatives who are shut-in because of the pandemic or live far away. It is a good day to share stories, laughter, and talk about the future. Ask your grandparents and elders how families gathered in the past to celebrate their close relationships and bonds.
Whatever you do on Family Day do not forget to reach out and share your love with your close and extended family.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Celebrate February 11th the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Across Canada Indigenous women work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, known as STEM. According to Canadian light source Indigenous representation in STEM careers is roughly 2% and Indigenous women make up about 1/3 of Indigenous people enrolled in STEM related education.
Dr. Lillian Eva Quan Dyck was a neuroscientist with the University of Saskatchewan and a former Canadian senator. A member of the Cree Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, Dr. Dyck is one of the first Indigenous women in Canada to pursue an academic career in the Sciences. In an article in Scientists in Schools she is one of the “8 amazing women and girls creating change through STEM”.
Tessa Erickson a high school student and a member of the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation was recognized for development of an app to revitalize the Dhkelh language.
An article in EDUTOPIA says that stereotypes and cultural norms dampens girls’ interest in STEM. Small changes in educators’ practice can counter the disparities by building a math identity, fostering math interest in girls, and practicing project-based instruction, see URL below for more details.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/keeping-girls-stem-3-barriers-3-solutions
https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day/