First Nations University of Canada Collective Presents in Galway, Ireland

On August 14, 2025, a collective from the First Nations University of Canada presented at the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment UK & Ireland (ASLE-UKI) Conference at the University of Galway, Ireland.

The presentation, “Resisting Erosion: Language, Culture, and Identity Reclaimed Through Syllabics,” shared the story of teacher and learners who came together through the fall 2024 course nêhiyawêwin and anihšinâpêmowin 230: Syllabics Writing System. Rooted in Treaty 4 territory, The group reflected on the deep connections between land, language, and community, and how learning syllabics has reconnected us to Indigenous ways of knowing.

A key teaching shared by guest speaker Kevin Lewis reminded us that Indigenous peoples have always been literate — reading the land, the stars, ceremony, and the world around us through our own systems of knowledge. Learning syllabics has deepened this understanding, showing us that language is medicine: a source of healing, growth, and resistance.

The panel included personal narratives, creative expressions, and cultural demonstrations — from student Brayden Benjoe’s reflections on syllabics as a tool for storytelling, to Amelia Friday’s sharing of her regalia, beaded syllabics star chart, and jingle dress dance. Together, these contributions illustrated how language reclamation is intertwined with identity, artistry, and intergenerational teaching.

Conference participants engaged deeply with the presentation, asking thoughtful questions and expressing appreciation for the perspectives shared. This exchange of knowledge fostered meaningful dialogue about Indigenous language revitalization and the shared experiences of cultural resilience in both Canada and Ireland.

Photo Credits: Tammy Ratt

For more on the ASLE-UKI 2025 conference, visit: https://asle.org.uk/events/galway-2025/