Spiritual

Elders are vital language & cultural knowledge holders, they are the link with the ancestors and traditional Indigenous ways of knowing.  Donna Wright, a local "Elder in Residence" at Selkirk College is also an important Elder who brings teachings to local public schools.  She took it upon herself to "adopt" our local middle school, and shares her traditional teachings including drumming and story telling at school events.  The BC Aboriginal IRP Review Report identified Elders as 'the most important resource for successful language learning programs in schools. "They supply the deeper meaning of the language, connecting the language to the cultural world and wisdom "(BC & FNESC, 2016, p23) 

When inviting Elders into schools, there are some important considerations for public schools  identified in this  comprehensive report (BC & FNESC, p23)

• Pairing Elders with credentialed teachers can help with language learning, but be cautious about colonial worldview/approach.

• Learn & use proper local Indigenous protocols. 

• Be mindful that Elder's experience in past schools was likely traumatic, that their time is limited & valuable, they might have health concerns, and they might need help with transportation.

These recommendations are validated by many others, who also elaborate that “Language projects situated within an Indigenous community all have particular, community-specific protocols that focus on reciprocity and relationality.”(Hermes et. Al. 2011, p389) Approaching language learning with respect and humility, through the lens of Indigenous understanding and knowing is vital in ensuring that language programs are successful.  

    One cannot read about Indigenous language and spirituality, without noticing the vital importance placed upon the connection of both to the land.  Many Indigenous teachers describe the language as being created by the land.   Recently, I learned the word for nighthawk in the K'tunaxa language, which is "p̓iq̓".  When i heard the Elder say the word, I was immediately reminded of spending time on a cliff where a pair of nighthawks circled around me.  The call of the nighthawk, sounds exactly like this word.  Suddenly, this teaching about the language being created by the land really made sense to me.   It also reinforced a point made in the Aboriginal Languages IRP review that "languages must be learned as much as possible in the natural setting and in a culturally respectful way. " (BC & FNESC, 2016, 31)

  It is also important to consider, with regard to the spiritual aspect of language teaching & learning, the BC Aboriginal Languages IRP Review Report maintains that "[t]here are aspects of the language that require the belief systems surrounding that language to be built into the lesson in which they are being taught, such as acknowledging the ancestors and the land." (BC, 2016, 30)  The report also cautions what while "this is not accepted in the public school...it is an important part of life." (p30)   This illustrates the importance of understanding Indigenous spirituality, which is vital when teaching Indigenous languages.

     The video above showcases the Grand Entry at the 2022 Indigenous History Month Powwow and celebration hosted by Saskatoon Public Schools last year.  This a beautiful example of how schools can support Indigenous community, culture and spirituality, enriching language teaching.  ” Culture needs to be supported within language programs because their teachings are intertwined." (BC & FNESC, 2016, p17) In my school district we have also hosted an annual Youth Pow Wow for the past 10 years, which coordinates with the local Yaqan Nukiy community's larger annual powwow.   At this event local Indigenous graduates are honored through a special ceremony with gifts from local elders. 

    Many songs are considered sacred and may be shared only in particular contexts, with appropriate protocols.  As the article, "Indigenous song Keepers reveal traditional ecological knowledge in music." (2020), relates that songs also contain important cultural knowledge and teachings.   "The music carries the word of the ancestors across time, transmitting key knowledge from deep in our sacred memory."(Lepofsky et al, 2020)   Elders & language holders guidance is essential in learning how to respectfully and authentically incorporate the important teachings in Indigenous songs and stories, which are fundamental in language teaching. 

"Creating curriculum that represents how and where language is used within the community will create language learning opportunities around these topics by integrating history and culture and language. (BC, 2016, p17).