Given the vast circumstances and/or reasons why someone does not speak any Anishinabe language — is up to the Individual!
As for myself, I was in the Indian Residential School (IRS)systems from 1961-69, as we all know we were not allowed to speak any Anishinabe language. The will of survival away from family and community, I made my own exceptions — when it was recess, outdoor recreational activities or in the dormitory — was that a precious window of opportunity for me to JUST speak, joke, laugh or cry in Ojibwa. Those were the breaks that I needed to keep me living in my own language. Today, it is inside of me always, my life and how I think is always in Ojibwa, first!
I agree that many students lost personal identity. Cultural ideas and traditional teachings were put away for the duration of the IRS era, as well as the Ojibwa, Oji-Cree or Cree languages of northwestern Ontario. Armed with these very personal emotions I chose to become a professional teacher with an Anishinabe language specialist background. I have many opportunities to teach all interest groups from four years old to seniors for the past 15 years. For me, I attribute that intrinsic will to be holistic, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and language. I am so very proud to speak Ojibwa.
It is up to the individuals themselves to find that circumstance and/or reason to begin to learn to speak any Anishinabe language.
Gii chi miigwech!
Esther Lachinette-Diabo
Whitesand First Nation
Maachestan, the Cree word for the annual spring river ice breakup, is happening all along the James Bay coast.
Maachestan, the Cree word for the annual spring river ice breakup, is happening all along the James Bay coast. This is a very important time of year for...
I was proud to see First Nation youth representing our northern homelands on the international stage this past month at the United Nations. Jeronimo...