Ainna’kotsiiysinni
Thanks to a grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage Indigenous Languages Component, we are embarking on the next leg of our journey. This grant provides funding for language learning activities and resource development in 2024/25, as well the creation of a 10-year language plan for Lethbridge families. A summary of each is below.
We launched the project in February 2024 with a gathering of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and educators. Please read more about our valued contributors here.
Language learning activities for 2024/25
Family nights - with students from Red Crow College
May 1, 2024 - Itsiniki "Telling Stories"
May 8, 2024 - Sopoya'payisstsííyssin "Careful Listening"
May 15, 2024 - Amato’simaan
May 22, 2024 - Katoyissa
June 5 and 12, 2024 - Makayohsoki outing and family night
Stay tuned for info! We are planning to organize and host more activities such as:
Family language nights
Youth language documentation club ("video club")
Summer language celebration
Language learning resources
We also plan to develop resources such as:
High-quality multimedia recordings of stories, conversations, songs, phrases, words, sounds
A sustainable language archive
Blackfoot fridge magnet poetry kits
Interactive interpretive signs of local flora and fauna
10-year language plan
The 10-year plan allows us to articulate a vision and goals to ensure a bright and vital future for the language, with a focus on creating language learning pathways for today's youth. Our planning process is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, and we will be engaging with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, and most importantly Lethbridge families to develop the plan.