Gathering

The vision of the SILR Gathering is to have a safe, welcoming space for Indigenous Language champions, speakers, learners and advocates to gather and share, learn, connect and collaborate! SILR’s Gatherings are to elevate Indigenous Language Revitalization in community and education; to increase language speakers and learners and to create a network so resources are showcased, shared and effective in revitalizing Indigenous languages now and for future generations!

We are thrilled to share the latest highlights from the 2024 SILR Gathering!

Welcome by Elder Edna Elias; Qulliq Lighting Ceremony by Myna Manniapik

Edna Elias a teacher by profession Edna is an Inuit language and culture advocate. She lives and breathes her culture in an urban setting; showcasing it where and when she can at Edmonton events. She shares her cultural knowledge through presentations at educational institutions in and around the city. Advocating for maintenance and revitalization of Inuinnaqtun, the dialect of the Copper Inuit of western Kitikmeot in Nunavut is her passion. One of her works has included rewriting of the Anglican Inuinnaqtun prayer and hymn book from the old non-standard writing system to that of the newer Canadian Inuktun standardized system to produce a digital version. The goal of the team now is to see the document printed and made available to Inuinnaqtun speakers.

Myna is Inuk, originally from Pangnirtung, South Baffin Island, Nunavut Territory. Her family moved there almost 20 years ago from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She has two beautiful daughters and one beautiful 4 year old granddaughter. Myna is a certified Simultaneous Interpreter/Translator by trade and started out with Northwest Territories Legislature. She also took part in the Nunavut Land Claims negotiations on Land Quantum and Land Identification.

Elder Edna Elias

Elder Myna Manniapik

Welcome from the University of Alberta

Dr. Glanfield is currently Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research) and a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Secondary Education. A citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta, born and raised in Northeastern Alberta. Dr Glanfield’s research interests explore the experiences that individuals (teachers and learners), as well as collectives of learners / communities, have with mathematics and learning mathematics.

Dr. Florence Glanfield

Welcome from SILR

Pamela McCoy Jones is Anishinaabe, a member of Batchewana First Nation, and mother of four living in Treaty 6 territory in Stony Plain Alberta. She is the Executive Director of Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization (SILR) initiative at the University of Alberta.

Pamela McCoy Jones

Dr. Leroy Little Bear

Why We Gather to Discuss Language Revitalization

As one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous academic voices, Dr. Leroy Little Bear was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019, received the University of Lethbridge Ingrid Speaker Research Medal in 2017, was awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2016 and holds honorary doctorates from the University of Lethbridge and the University of Northern British Columbia. He is also an honorary Eminent Scholar at Red Crow Community College. Little Bear holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah, a BA from the University of Lethbridge, and an Associate Arts Degree in Forestry from Wenatchee Valley College.

Youth Panel

Reviving Mi’kmaq Language through Oral Tradition and Multimedia Integration

Tom Johnson

Sandra Lamouche

Just Breathe Hoop Dance

Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams

Our Voices, Voices of the Land, Voices of the Spirit, Heart, Body, and Mind

Dr. Lorna Wánosts’a7 Williams is Líl’watul from Mount Currie, B.C. Dr. Williams is an educator, filmmaker, author, and Indigenous language expert who has devoted her life to Indigenous education and Indigenous languages. She served as past Chair of First Peoples’ Cultural Council and is the current Chair for First People’s Cultural Foundation.

Throughout her career, Dr. Williams has held a number of senior positions, notably at the University of Victoria as Director of Indigenous Education and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, and as Canada Research Chair in Indigenous knowledge and learning, cross-appointed between the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Linguistics. She retired in 2014. In addition, Dr. Williams served as Director of the Indigenous Enhancements Branch of the Ministry of Education. She currently serves as the Elder and member of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women and a member of the Indigenous Circle for SSHRC. She was inducted into the Order of B.C. in 1993, the Order of Canada, Officer in 2019. In 2018 she received an honorary doctorate from Simon Fraser University, and was awarded with an Indspire Award in 2017, all for her work in Indigenous education and languages. Her collective work is informed by her early development of band-controlled schools in Mount Currie, where she taught, and developed Indigenous knowledge curriculum and the Ucwalmicwts language.

Elders Panel

Featuring the SILR Advisory Council

Graphic Recording

We are thrilled to unveil the beautiful graphic art recording from the 2024 SILR Gathering on March 21 and 22 at the River Cree and Resort Casino.

This piece captures the spirit of the event, and key aspects of the impactful keynote presentations, enriching panel discussions, diverse language representation, and entertainment at our gathering.