Vanishing Voices, Native languages

By official count, there are more than 50 First Nations languages across Canada. Some are thriving. Dozens others, though, are in danger of disappearing. In this video by Leah Hennel, we take the pulse of Southern Alberta First Nations languages.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Calgary Herald
• endangered languages
• Tsuu T'ina
• Stoney Nakoda
• Backfoot
• First nations

[SmallestBabish]

Yethka dukin? hechins Napinnash xD (means where are the stoneys at well see ya later in stoney)

[mrndnguy1]

I see alot of people like my parents who are still afaid of teaching their kids and grandkids our language as a result of residental school. It also makes me very sad to lose our native language. The elders are always blaiming the kids for the loss of the language when all they have to do is blame themselves. To learn a language is to teach them from the time your baby is born. English doesn't have to be the first language of choice.

[Linguiphile]

I am an American of Irish and Cherokee descent. Although I speak neither Gaelic nor Cherokee, I am fluent in Japanese and conversational in Choctaw. Also, I can read Spanish.

I have always wanted to record conversations with fluent Choctaw elders, asking them about their lives and opinions. But alas, I work 60 hours a week and have a family. By the time I am able to slow down and take up my lifelong dream, there may be no one left to talk with!

[akumie]

not many can speak 2 languages, depends where u look, many in europe speaks both english and antive langiage....I on the other hand spesk swedish, english, spanish and 15% french