The provincial government of Saskatchewan has partnered with the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) to preserve Indigenous languages in the region. On Monday, the government announced that it will provide $50,000 annually to fund new scholarships for students studying Indigenous languages at FNUniv. The school will offer three new scholarships, and students can apply through the university. The program is expected to benefit approximately 40 students each year.
The importance of preserving Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan cannot be overstated, said President of the First Nations University of Canada Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann. She noted that many Indigenous languages are either endangered or becoming so, and language teaching is critically important in preserving them. The Indigenous Languages Program Coordinator and Lecturer Andrea Custer highlighted that Indigenous languages hold complex knowledge systems and are a gift from ancestors. Despite efforts to eradicate these languages, grandparents and elders have kept them alive for younger generations.
The partnership between the provincial government and FNUniv is a significant step in preserving Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan. The program will help support the education of students who are committed to preserving these languages, which are an essential part of the province’s cultural heritage. The government and FNUniv are optimistic that the scholarships will benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students who are interested in studying Indigenous languages.
In addition to the new scholarships, Saskatchewan has also recently announced its commitment to include Indigenous language and culture in its provincial curriculum. By doing so, the government hopes to ensure that these languages are passed down to future generations, contributing to reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.