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Language revitalization efforts

mia.fischlin@mcgill.ca — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:05:00 +0000

Language revitalization efforts mia.fischlin@m… Fri, 05/01/2026 - 12:05

Article reported by Olivier Cadotte for the Eastern Door

For ��Թ� Indigenous Language Revitalization master’s student Arihwisaks Colin Benedict, who is Kanien’kehá:ka from Akwesasne, last week’s Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again language symposium achieved the goal he had set out to achieve - to bring language revitalizers together in one place to share ideas and experiences.

“I really liked how inspired everyone was by the different language projects and initiatives that were going on in different communities,” said Benedict, who planned the symposium in collaboration with Mia Fischlin, who is Inuvialuk/Dene/settler; Caleb Moses, who is Māori; Noelani Arista, the director, who is Hawaiian; and Zoe Regnier, who has heritage from Akwesasne.

“Through our pool’s personal connections, we were able to bring a really amazing and diverse group of Indigenous language revitalization practitioners and academics together,” said Benedict.

One of the panelists that inspired Benedict was Keao NeSmith, a Hawaiian scholar and translator, who has worked on translating popular series like the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings books into the Hawaiian language.

“We always need more written resources, especially at that kind of reading level where it’s more for just entertainment. It’s not strictly for curriculum purposes,” said Benedict.

He said it also inspired some of the elders from Akwesasne in attendance, who thought it would be a great project to bring back to their community.

“To me, that was really awesome. And that’s just one example,” said Benedict.

Other panels were more focused on the organizational side of things - the implementation of new technologies in language revitalization as well as how to apply for private and government funding.

Callie Hill, CEO of the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Center in Tyendinaga, was one of the funding panelists, and explained how local support as well as provincial and private was important to its success, as it would be in a community like Kahnawake.

“Building good relationships is really important. Even locally at home, our band council is supportive, but we also have band elections every two years. So, you take the chance that we won’t have supporters from one year to the next. We have been very fortunate to have a majority of supporters always,” said Hill.

But perhaps the biggest success of the symposium was the final panel on language futurisms, done entirely in Kanien’kéha with elders, teachers, and students, along with Benedict as a moderator.

Otsì:tsia Sunday, Benedict’s friend and former Kanien’kéha teacher, provided a rough translation into English on the big screen as the panelists spoke.

“She would just be capturing the overall message of what the elders and other panelists were conveying to the audience, so that the audience can follow along,” said Benedict.

He said that the plan came together just a few days before the symposium began. First, the idea was to have the discussion be only in English, to make sure the audience could understand. Then, it shifted to answering questions first in English and then in Kanien’kéha, before his linguistics department advisor Jessica Coon suggested the live transcription based on other panels she had seen.

“Personally, I really liked the idea and was reaching out to a couple of different people to see if they liked that,” said Benedict.

They did, and when he saw that those in attendance could follow along and even react to what was being said essentially in real time, he was happy it had worked out after feeling nervous about it.

“Otsì:tsia was amazing with the translation and the transcription work that she provided, and all the panelists did an amazing job with the language that they provided, as well as the ideas,” said Benedict.

“And I feel like even a lot of the humour that came up in the panel wasn’t lost on the audience, thanks to the live transcription. It was nice to have that communicated in live time and hear the audience laugh as well.”

Billy Sunday, an elder and residential school survivor from Akwesasne, was grateful to be able to share his language with the other panelists and those in attendance.

“I’m lucky, I still have my language. When I went to school, before I left, we only spoke Kanien’kéha at home. When I got to school, we were told we couldn’t speak our language,” said Sunday.

“But, there were quite a few students there from Kahnawake. They spoke their language, so we used to hide and tell stories in our language. That might be why I only forgot a little bit of our language. I feel fortunate that I still have it and I still use it.”

What the future of language preservation looks like came in the form of the panel itself, with elders speaking with younger language learners throughout. Another point was raising children in the language, demonstrated through a video of panelist Oheróhskon Ryan DeCaire’s young daughter speaking in Kanien’kéha while playing.

“I thought that was really powerful in terms of the collective work that we’re trying to push forward in thinking about language futurisms and how we want our language to look 20, 40, 60, 100 years down the road,” said Benedict.

Further down the road, he hopes that this kind of symposium will return to ��Թ�, potentially even biannually.

olivier [at] easterndoor.com (olivier[at]easterndoor[dot]com)

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Academic unit dedicated to Indigenous languages and knowledge takes shape at ��Թ�

mia.fischlin@mcgill.ca — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:30:24 +0000

Academic unit dedicated to Indigenous languages and knowledge takes shape at ��Թ� mia.fischlin@m… Fri, 05/01/2026 - 11:30

New Faculty of Arts institute anchors Indigenous research and language reclamation; will facilitate eventual introduction of Indigenous Studies degree programs.

The Faculty of Arts Institute for Indigenous Research and Knowledges (FAIIRK) is taking shape at ��Թ�. It will be a permanent institutional and academic home for the Indigenous Studies program and Indigenous language reclamation in the Faculty of Arts.

Approved in 2025, the Institute is a direct response to the Provost’s Task Force Report on Indigenous Education and Indigenous Studies, specifically Call to Action 32, which called for the creation of a standalone academic unit in Indigenous Studies.

FAIIRK is funded with the support of a $3-million gift from alumnus Gerald Rimer and family.

“This institute provides Indigenous scholars and students with an official, visible academic home,” said Director Noelani Arista. “The long-term plan as mapped by the Provostʻs Task Force Report includes building Indigenous Studies into a full bachelor’s program, and eventually a graduate program, as well.”

Language reclamation at the centre

At present, Language reclamation is at the heart of FAIIRK’s work. One of its core initiatives is the Indigenous Language Revitalization MA-PhD program, an interdisciplinary program Arista helped establish with colleagues in linguistics Profs. James Crippen and Jessica Coon. The program will eventually be formally housed within FAIIRK.

Graduate student Arihwisaks Colin Benedict, a Kanien’kehá:ka scholar from Akwesasne, is part of that program. After completing intensive immersion training at Onkwawén:na Kentyóhkwa, Benedict chose ��Թ� because it allowed him to remain rooted in his community while pursuing advanced language research.

“With the creation of FAIIRK, ��Թ� is providing an institutional home for Indigenous language research,” Benedict said. “That kind of space is critical. When you’re working in community, funding can be limited and few places allow research freely. An academic institution provides infrastructure and stability.”

Benedict, who also teaches introductory Kanien’kéha language courses for adult learners in Akwesasne, says the planned Indigenous Language Lab will be especially important, offering access to recording equipment, transcription tools, and collaborative space.

“Having that support network for technical and logistical needs is essential for effective language research,” he said.

Building on this vision, Arista emphasizes the potential of Indigenous language reclamation in the modern era.

“Working in Indigenous language reclamation today is exciting, especially when we work with passionate students from Indigenous communities and combine that passion with new technologies,” she said. “Indigenous peoples have always been leaders in innovation, imagination and creativity. Bringing traditional knowledges into relation with contemporary technologies can proliferate new avenues of knowledge transmission and access, not only for Indigenous communities, but for the broader world.”

For Benedict, the work is deeply personal.

“I’ve spoken with elders in Akwesasne, and they’re very supportive of current language revitalization efforts,” he said. “They tell me that when we lose our language, we lose an inherent part of ourselves. Ultimately, I want to speak with my family and pass the language on to my children.”

Teaching grounded in Indigenous worldviews

Wahéhshon Whitebean, a Kanien’kehá:ka scholar from Kahnawà:ke and FAIIRK’s first full-time instructor, sees the Institute as an important milestone.

“We are on the cusp of a historic change at ��Թ�,” she said. “This is about building something meaningful and sustainable, not just creating a program on paper.”

Whitebean teaches core courses for the Indigenous Studies minor, including the program’s capstone course. Her teaching centres Indigenous languages, oral histories and knowledge systems in ways many students have never encountered.

“I begin each class with the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, the Thanksgiving Address,” she said. “It grounds us in humility, connection to the Earth and responsibility to future generations.”

She sees language revitalization as inseparable from Indigenous resurgence.

“Language loss was a form of violence,” she said. “Our languages carry our worldviews, our governance systems and our relationships to land.”

For Whitebean, her research and teaching are inseparable from her responsibilities to her community.

“As an Indigenous researcher, you don’t get to take that hat off. I do research on Indian Day Schools, and in my community, people will stop me at the post office or in the grocery store to talk about it,” she said. “If someone disagrees with something I’ve written or said, they can knock on my door and talk to me directly. That’s a different level of accountability, and it informs how we approach ethical research.”

Building permanence, not placeholders

For Arista, permanence is the key word. Indigenous Studies at ��Թ� has long relied on sessional instructors and cross-listed courses. FAIIRK, she said, changes that trajectory.

“Without a dedicated academic unit, it’s impossible to sustain a degree program,” she said. McGIll students and Indigenous members of the community have communicated to me, “that this work should be treated as a genuine institutional priority.”

FAIIRK now has a physical home under renovation in Ferrier Hall, with accessibility for elders built into the design. Its first major public initiative, an Indigenous Language Symposium led entirely by graduate students, is taking place on April 23-24.

“The expertise is already here,” Arista said. “What FAIIRK does is bring that expertise together in a visible, lasting way, so Indigenous Studies and Indigenous language research can continue to grow here for generations.”

Read the Article on the ��Թ� Reporter

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Rathlyn Fellows aim to enhance health and well-being in Indigenous communities

mia.fischlin@mcgill.ca — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:30:45 +0000

Rathlyn Fellows aim to enhance health and well-being in Indigenous communities mia.fischlin@m… Fri, 05/01/2026 - 10:30

Megan Légaré is providing support to Inuit youth in Nunavik while Allison MacLeod is working to improve health care in Cree communities in Quebec.

Megan Légaré and Allison MacLeod are the latest recipients of ��Թ�’s Rathlyn Fellowships, worth $12,500 and awarded annually to two Indigenous students conducting postgraduate research.

Légaré is a second-year Family Medicine PhD student of Kanien’kehá:ka and European settler heritage whose research is focused on the Nunavik Youth House Association, which co-ordinates youth centres in Nunavik and offers a safe and engaging space for Inuit youth ages 5-19.

MacLeod’s research centres on miyupimaatisiiun – which means “good health” in Cree – among inland Cree communities in northern Quebec. MacLeod herself is Cree and pursuing a master’s degree in Medical Anthropology.

“The Faculty Arts Institute for Indigenous Research and Knowledges(FAIIRK) is honoured to support the work of Indigenous researchers through the Rathlyn Fellowship,” said Noelani Arista, Director of FAIIRK. “Both bring to the fore the importance of enhanced communication and understanding for better health outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Canada.”

Making youth voices heard

Légaré is working with the Nunavik Youth House Association, also known as Suilaaqivik, to enhance their program delivery, strengthen Inuit cultural continuity and meet the needs of youth. The association is active in 14 communities across Nunavik. She’s working closely with staff and youth in two of them.

“My main research interest is showcasing the voices of Indigenous youth,” said Légaré. “I want their voices to be heard and valued; to shape the services that affect them the decisions made about their health.”

Each Youth House offers unique programming, which may include arts and crafts, sports and board games. Staff are looking to add more diversity to the activities, including culturally relevant activities such as sewing and on-the-land outings.

“I’m approaching it as a facilitator of the dialogue,” said Légaré. “My process is very heavily rooted in listening and highlighting the voices of youth, staff, management and community members. If you have youth involved who feel a sense of belonging and a strong sense of identity – especially cultural identity – that can only be beneficial to the community and to the world.”

Whole health

Allison MacLeod’s master’s research on Cree health and well-being was inspired by two life events. The first was a 2022 hospital trip where the lineup for emergency care went out the door; the second was reading the book Being Alive Well: Health and the Politics of Cree Well-Being by Naomi Adelson, herself a medical anthropologist.

“The book inspired my whole thesis project,” said MacLeod. “I’ve always known Indigenous peoples have our own distinct way of understanding the world, but when it came to health, I wasn’t sure what it was. The book was eye-opening to me.”

Inspired to build on Adelson’s work, MacLeod is conducting research focusing on what health, care and medicine are from the perspective of Eenou (Cree) community members, Eenou traditional healers and biomedical health-care providers in her home community, the Cree Nation of Mistissini. She completed three months of fieldwork, conducting interviews at the Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre in Mistissini and attending land-based traditional healing events throughout Eeyou Istchee.

“The state of Canadian health care is just in shambles – especially since COVID – and something really needs to be done about it,” said MacLeod. “Indigenous peoples are suffering from ill health and dying from preventable diseases at a higher rate than the rest of Canada, and as an Indigenous woman I feel it’s my duty to help.”

Read the article on the ��Թ� Reporter

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��Թ�’s incoming Artist in Residence calls herself ‘a Cree alien’

mia.fischlin@mcgill.ca — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:43:52 +0000

��Թ�’s incoming Artist in Residence calls herself ‘a Cree alien’ mia.fischlin@m… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 10:43

Cheyenne Rain LeGrande’s work is rooted in Indigenous joy, love and resilience

Multidisciplinary artist Cheyenne Rain LeGrande describes herself as a nêhiyaw (Cree) alien. Often depicted in her artworks wearing towering platform moccasins, a glow-in-the-dark shawl and otherworldly makeup, she certainly looks the part of a celestial being.

Originally from Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta, LeGrande will touch down at ��Թ� March 9-20 to serve as the artist in residence for the Faculty of Arts Institute for Indigenous Research and Knowledges (FAIIRK).

She’ll host artist talks, lead a workshop and give her first solo performance in Montreal.

“It’s such an honour to be asked to be the artist in residence,” said LeGrande. “I think sharing knowledge is really important, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to share my art with the students.”

Noelani Arista, Director of FAIIRK, said the Institute is also honoured to host LeGrande.

“Supporting Indigenous artists, writers, and knowledge holders is an important part of our work. Cheyenne’s presence will contribute to the intellectual and creative life of the University,” Arista said. “Her artistic practice reflects powerful connections between Indigenous knowledge, history and contemporary creative expression.”

Courtesy of the artist

Modern influences, enduring traditions

LeGrande’s art practice began with drawing and painting, and has expanded to include photography, video, sound, installation and performance art. She credits her alma mater, the Emily Carr University of Art + Design, in Vancouver, for helping her to advance in her artistic practice.

“All the classes, the friends and the community I made there really helped pave the way for where I am today,” she said. “I actually had a strong Indigenous community there, which was really meaningful. It can be difficult, especially as an Indigenous person, to be working and existing in an institutional space.”

Indigeneity is central to her art.

“A lot of my university work was working through intergenerational trauma as an Indigenous person. Now it has developed to a place of intergenerational joy and resilience and love: reclaiming the past, reflecting on my identity today and thinking about the future.”

Her work often blends Indigenous traditions with modern influences, inspiring her signature platform moccasins, her shawl made of ribbon and pop can tabs and her shawl with LED lighting, which was inspired by the northern lights. Both shawls will feature in her ��Թ� performance, and she’ll teach her ribbon weaving technique in her workshop.

“My work allows me to express love and healing, and I hope people take that away from my work. I really hope to inspire [��Թ�] students.”

Her residency is just the latest in a long line of accolades for LeGrande. She has been awarded the BMO 1st Art! Prize for emerging artists; taken part in group exhibitions, art festivals and fashion events; and has had solo shows.

Although there’s more she’d like to do – such as record music and perform her art in Japan – she said she considers sharing her knowledge with others to be the most meaningful part of her work.

“Those are the moments I’m really proud of,” she said. “Being able to give back and share my art is really special.”

Courtesy of the artist

Article from the ��Թ� Reporter

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Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again!

mia.fischlin@mcgill.ca — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:35:24 +0000

Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again! mia.fischlin@m… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 10:35

Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again! Indigenous Language Symposium | April 23 and 24, 2026

On April 23 and 24, ��Թ�’s Faculty of Arts Institute for Indigenous Research and Knowledges held its inaugural symposium. Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again was a two-day event, presenting research focused on Indigenous language revitalization and reclamation. The purpose of this symposium was to centre the ongoing work to maintain and pass on Indigenous languages and cultures, by sharing stories and research practices in various topical panels. Additionally, these two days allowed participants, including speakers, attendees, and organizers, to share their diverse experiences and bear witness to the processes of language work. The symposium brought together speakers from many different places, including some who travelled from as far as New Zealand and Hawaiʻi. The program committee included Mia Fischlin, Arihwisaks Colin Benedict, Caleb Moses, Zoe Regnier, and Dr. Noelani Arista.

Across the two days, speakers explored topics ranging from Indigenous Languages and Dictionaries to Language Technologies, Language and the Archive, Language Funding, and Language Futurisms. The symposium also included local Indigenous vendors selling beadwork, seal fur earrings, cedar soy candles, and other handmade items. The talks were livestreamed, allowing community members who could not attend in person to watch from elsewhere.

The first day of the symposium was opened by Kontiwennahá Women’s Singing Group, a renowned traditional Haudenosaunee singing group from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. The opening was followed by the first session on Indigenous Languages and Dictionaries, featuring Cameron Adams, Nikola Wharerau, and Šišóka Dúta as panellists. The three introduced themselves in their respective languages as well as English. “I [just] realized I was speaking Cree,” said Adams, after introducing himself entirely in Swampy Cree, thus receiving a laugh from the crowd. Each panellist shared their contributions to various Indigenous language dictionaries, emphasizing different ways in which languages have been documented historically and currently. Each presenter shared their process, working on documenting knowledge of first-language speakers, coding apps or using software like ABBYY, and reclaiming archival materials. Cameron emphasized that religious missionary efforts documented Indigenous languages, creating a corpus of language materials developed to convert populations through language to Christianity. Each panellist wrestled with the implications of early colonial documentation of Indigenous languages for harmful purposes; instead, they argued that something positive can emerge from these negative processes.

The panel on Language Policy and Planning emphasized the importance of sustainability, whether that be finding alternatives to government funding or ensuring continued opportunities to live in one’s language. Niiyo Mosay Gonzalez stressed the importance of building one’s life at home to remain a speaker. “We have to be our own heroes,” she said.

A Language Archive Exhibit was organized in collaboration with local archives, the ��Թ� Rare Books and Special Collections team, and FAIIRK. Each institution provided manuscripts and records from its collections, presenting various sources of Indigenous languages, including Swampy Cree and Inuktitut, for attendees to view and learn from.

During the Language Technologies session, panellists highlighted the importance of equity in data collection and equitable access to information. Caleb Moses asked how we can use language technology to uplift rather than oppress, concluding that technology can expand our perception of the world.

The final session, Plenary: Language Futurisms, was a panel entirely in Kanien’kéha, with live translation into English. Panellists introduced themselves and joked among themselves, creating a lively and layered exchange as Kanien’kéha speakers responded in the moment, while non-Kanien’kéha speakers followed along through the live English translation on screen. During this panel, speaker Ryan DeCaire also shared a video of his toddler speaking the language, offering a moving example of language being carried forward by the next generation.

Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again created space for speakers, researchers, community members, and organizers to gather around the ongoing work of Indigenous language revitalization. Across the two days, the symposium highlighted not only the challenges of language reclamation, but also the creativity, care, humour, and commitment that continue to shape Indigenous language futures.

Watch the Event on Youtube

April 23
April 24

News

Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 1)

daniel.zhang@mcgill.ca — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:19:57 +0000

Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 1) daniel.zhang@m… Fri, 04/17/2026 - 10:19

The new Faculty of Arts Institute of Indigenous Research and Knowledges (FAIIRK) at ��Թ� (Montreal, Canada) was approved in May 2025. FAIIRK provides a dedicated institutional home within the Faculty of Arts for research and teaching into Indigenous methodologies, epistemologies, pedagogies, and philosophies, knowledges and experiences in Canada and across the world, where deepening knowledge of the local is enhanced by global comparative frameworks.

FAIIRK invites applications for a senior tenure-track position in Indigenous Studies, at the rank of Full Professor (or Associate Professor who is expected to be promoted to Full Professor within two years). The position carries with it the possibility of a Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 1) for qualified First Nations, Inuit, or Metis candidates.

We welcome candidates whose work demonstrates an internationally recognized research and teaching agenda in at least one of these three areas: Indigenous languages, Indigenous governance systems, and Indigenous land-based methodologies and practices. Candidates whose work aligns with other topical themes within Indigenous Studies are also welcome to apply.

A successful First Nations, Inuit, or Metis candidate that satisfies the eligibility conditions of the Canada Research Chair (CRC) program will be supported by the University for nomination to a CRC. Candidates for the CRC will be assessed based on demonstrated evidence of existing outstanding original research, and clear recognition as an original researcher of world-class calibre and as a leader in their field.

Applications are now closed.

News

News

Language revitalization efforts

Academic unit dedicated to Indigenous languages and knowledge takes shape at ���������Թ�

Language reclamation at the centre

Teaching grounded in Indigenous worldviews

Building permanence, not placeholders

Rathlyn Fellows aim to enhance health and well-being in Indigenous communities

Making youth voices heard

Whole health

���������Թ�’s incoming Artist in Residence calls herself ‘a Cree alien’

Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again!

Tsitewatá:ti: Let Us Speak Again! Indigenous Language Symposium | April 23 and 24, 2026

Watch the Event on Youtube

Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 1)

Academic unit dedicated to Indigenous languages and knowledge takes shape at ��Թ�

��Թ�’s incoming Artist in Residence calls herself ‘a Cree alien’