The pilot project will begin in La Loche this fall. (submitted photo/Darcy Ahenkakew)

By Derek Cornet

knowledge keepers

MNS launches pilot project to strengthen Dene language

Jul 7, 2020 | 1:22 PM

Strengthening Indigenous languages is the goal of a new Dene Early Learning Pilot Project announced Monday for La Loche by Métis Nation – Saskatchewan.

“All of our research would tell us the earlier we expose children to language, the greater the retention and the development of the language with that child,” Ilsa Fleming, the director of early learning childcare and child and family services with MNS, said. “Children at a young age just absorb language in a way that, as we get older, we’re not as proficient in.”

Fleming noted the pilot project is important because the earlier children are supported with Dene, the greater the chance of them being immersed in the language and using it for the rest of their lives. The project will run parallel to the Michif Early Language Pilot Program with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society announced last week.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children from La Loche attending Ducharme Elementary School in the fall will be eligible to register for the program. The plan includes an extended school day, parent and community engagement opportunities, transportation, additional resources and language keepers who will provide information for children.

“In La Loche, in particular, we know many of our Métis families speak Dene to their children and amongst each other, so we want to help preserve and maintain that language transmission to the next generation,” Fleming said. “Our ultimate goal is to increase the number of Dene speakers and also to ensure our Elders, who are our language keepers, have a real sense of being supported, being able to share their knowledge and information about the Dene language with our children.”

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The program will be delivered through the Northern Lights School Division, which is currently in the process of finalizing plans. Depending on the results of the two-year pilot project, the program could be expanded to other communities in Saskatchewan.

“We have many Métis families who speak Dene and we also recognize there has been other initiatives that have been put forward to support Dene language development,” Fleming said. “We recognize, as a Métis Nation, we want to preserve Indigenous languages.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno