Syllabics
The Yonkwatkontahkwenhatye (“We are Continuing” in Mohawk), a two-year online Mohawk Language Certificate I Program has proven to be extremely beneficial for students engaged in the reclamation and revitalization of the Mohawk language.
The Mohawk Language Certificate program, a collaboration between the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC), the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), and the University of Regina (U of R), was launched in March 2023. Students began their courses in the Fall term of 2023.
Meet students Denise Climenhage and Sandra Sault-Hartwick, along with their language instructor, Tahnee Bennett, as they share their experiences about the introductory program. The language has fostered a bond among the students that they may not have developed otherwise. Their testimonials reflect a deep pride in their Mohawk heritage and their journey to learn the Mohawk language.
After two years of classes, the Mohawk Certificate Course at the First Nations University of Canada has exceeded my expectations. We are truly a national class, with students from the West Coast, East Coast, and Central Canada. As someone with no prior exposure to the Mohawk language, I found the course to be intense and fast-paced. The instructor, Tahnee Bennett, and tutor, Connie John, made sure that the steep learning curve was manageable by providing a safe and friendly environment, as well as ample opportunities for individual and small group tutoring sessions.
This program has given students a solid understanding of Mohawk language structure, grammar, and pronunciation. Since the first class, we have been encouraged to speak in Mohawk as much as possible. The instructors fostered student participation both during classes and through weekly assigned peer conversation sessions outside of class.
For me, the opportunity to learn both Mohawk and Cree at FNUniv is a tremendous privilege and gift. By deepening my knowledge of these languages, which are vital to me as a guest on Mohawk territory and as a person of Cree heritage, I hope to share what I have learned with others and help ensure that these languages continue to thrive.
Shé:kon! Sandra yónkyats. Kanyen’keha kateweyénhstha.
I am overjoyed to be a student in the Mohawk Certificate Program at First Nations University of Canada. I am thousands of miles away from my home reservation and being able to attend this course ‘online’ has been an absolute privilege. I feel like my Kanyen’keha has immensely improved. When I started this course, I knew only a few words in Mohawk from Rahksótha (my Grandfather). Now, I am capable of having a conversation in Mohawk. The instructor is patient, encouraging and passionate about teaching Kanyen’keha. For me, learning Kanyen’keha will be a lifelong pursuit.
Nyá:wen, Sandra Sault-Hartwick
Photo Credit: Sandra Sault-Hartwick
As we come to the end of our first year of the Mohawk Language Certificate Program, I feel extremely proud. The students have started from knowing a few words to know having conversations with one another. This has been a great opportunity for students who are living away from their home territories as it’s given them the ability to learn language. Nyá:wen to the University for giving the Haudenosaunee a space in Cree territory to share Language in an academic space.
Tahnee Bennett
Mohawk Turtle Clan from Six Nations Reservation No.40
photo credit: Tahnee Bennett
The First Nations University of Canada, along with its partners FENFC and U of R, eagerly anticipates the success of the first cohort of the Mohawk Language Certificate I program.
For campus locations, maps and hours of operation, please visit our contact us page.
(the good path through life)
(the good path through life)