FHQTC launches iTunes app to revive First Nations languages
- Jeanelle Mandes | June 24, 2014
Earlier this week, a new method to revive First Nations languages to the younger generations was been introduced to the public incorporating today's technology.
The File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) Educations Departments have partnered with a Las Vegas software company called Thorton Media, to create an application on iTunes to restore First Nations languages. It took three years to create the app.
Edmund Bellegarde, Tribal Chairperson of FHQTC, says this is a first step in reclaiming and restoring five important languages. Bellegarde says the residential schools are a main impact to the loss of the languages today. He hopes this app is a key tool in engaging the young people.
"We've done this to try share the languages with the world. The languages are sacred gifts and it's the foundation to our culture and the link to our identities," he said.
The app features five different languages from Cree, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and Saulteaux that make up the 11 First Nations in the FHQTC.
Lori Poitras, Director of Education for FHQTC, says the languages are at risk and now is the time to be proactive and act on revitalizing the languages in the schools.
"I'm very happy and I'm ecstatic because finally we realized a goal and an outcome that we've achieved. I'm happy for schools, communities and the kids."
So far, Poitras is surprised with the results from her four-year-old grandson who recently downloaded the app on his iPad.
"He loves it. He's already learning to count in three languages; Dakota, Lakota and Cree."
Poitras said the Elders played a huge role being the foundation of this project because they recorded the words, discussions and explained the meanings more in depth.
The education department selected different language keepers from each linguistic group to incorporate words and phrases for the app.
Wayne Goodwill, an Elder from Standing Buffalo, was featured on the app and says it's a start for the young people and even middle-aged people to start learning the languages.
"I was asked to say 500 words in the Dakota language. It took a little while but some of the words we didn't know like alligators and giraffes."
The planning committee hopes the app will be incorporated in school settings and at home. The app is available on iTunes or an iPad and it is free of charge to download.