Family Language Camps Bring Indigenous Language, Culture and Knowledge Together

First Nations University of Canada hosted a series of family language camps throughout August in support of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre (SICC), creating opportunities for families and community members to learn, practice and connect through Indigenous language, culture and knowledge.

The Saulteaux Language Camp took place August 17–21 at First Nations University of Canada’s Traditional Campus, bringing participants together for a week of language learning, cultural workshops, land-based and community-based teachings, and intergenerational knowledge sharing.

The following week, the Dakota-Nakota-Lakota Language Camp was held August 24–28 at the City of Regina’s Ceremonial Site in Regina.

The camps provided welcoming spaces for participants to learn alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers and language speakers while sharing knowledge across generations. Through language practice, cultural teachings and time spent together on the land and in community, participants were able to strengthen their relationships with Indigenous language, culture and one another.

Family and community connection was an important part of each camp, creating opportunities for participants of all ages to learn from one another and support the continued revitalization and use of Indigenous languages.

These gatherings reflect the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous languages can be spoken, practiced, shared and passed on through generations, while supporting the ongoing work of SICC to promote and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures across Saskatchewan.