The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations wants to see school boards, administrations and teachers across Saskatchewan increase and encourage the use of First Nations languages in schools.
This comes after the federation learned that a Cree woman was allegedly asked by a school principal to not speak her language at the school. Since receiving the complaints, the organization has opened an investigation into the allegations.
For FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, he believes this is a great opportunity to encourage indigenous languages in Saskatchewan classrooms. He said it’s important for teachers to promote the languages, but it’s a priority for students to learn and use them.
“That’s the audience we have to target when it comes to revitalizing and protecting our First Nations languages,” explained Cameron.
After hearing of the complaints, he feels there’s no better time to advocate for the usage of their languages in schools or on playgrounds, noting how committed Saskatoon’s francophone classrooms are when teaching French to students.
“It doesn’t matter the way we look, the way we walk, the way we talk. As parents, grandparents and educators, we want our children to succeed,” he stated. “In doing so, they’ll have a successful life because they’ll have the skills and tools that we provided them.”
For schools that are interested in implementing more studies in First Nations languages, culture or history in their classrooms, but do not have the resources or support, the federation is wanting to lend a hand.
FSIN has a long list of Elders who are eager to assist schools needing help.
“They are experts in language and culture, and they would be more than happy to go and assist in your class every single day to teach the language.”
Cameron encourages schools to contact the federation if they want to receive assistance from Elders.
FSIN represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan.
