Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives, formerly known as “Indigenous Studies,” has been offered at Queen’s since 2013.
Over time, the program’s course offerings have expanded to include instruction in Indigenous Languages. When Associate Professor Thanyehténhas (Nathan Brinklow) arrived at Queen’s in 2015, he recalls the program teaching Mohawk, Anishinaabe, and Inuktitut languages. Now, the program offers Mohawk and Anishinaabe, with Brinklow as the Mohawk Language instructor.
These courses are important considering the movement towards Indigenous language revitalization in Canada. After the residential school system caused many Indigenous people to lose their language, the number of speakers are low.
Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department Head Sarah Schulist is in a unique position to understand the challenges that come with offering courses in lesser-known languages.
“A language that’s spoken by less than the population of Kingston total is not something people see as valuable,” Schulist said in an interview with The Journal. “It takes a lot of resources to create opportunities to learn the languages and convince the dominant society that those resources are worthwhile, [which] can be really challenging.”
Indigenous language courses are available to all students. Unfortunately, after years of teaching, Brinklow acknowledges that non-Indigenous students in these courses are likely to lose the knowledge they gain from his class.
“You’re probably going to forget most of what you learn by Christmas, without the pressure of a test or a quiz or an exercise,” Brinklow said in an interview with The Journal. “Unless you’ve got other family or friends, or you’re Mohawk and you’re really committed, you’re probably going to forget what you do.”
The courses offer 36 hours of instruction. Only half of that time is spent on languages while the other half focuses on culture. Although not much can be done in 18 hours, there is value in taking these courses.
Brinklow hopes that Indigenous language courses create what he calls “language advocated” people, who may not have the language, but are aware that it exists, and are willing to show support for it and the people who speak it.
“We can’t produce speakers in this environment, it’s just not possible,” Brinklow said. “We can light fires.”
The program coordinates with the Tyendinaga Mohawk Language and Culture Centre to offer more advanced language courses for non-Queen’s students within the community to gain experience in their languages and receive credits for it.
Schulist recognizes the challenges that Queen’s faces in terms of maintaining partnerships in the post COVID-19 world. However, it is crucial to maintain these relationships if the university intends on committing to Truth and Reconciliation.
“If we believe in a commitment to reconciliation, which Queen’s does, then providing Indigenous language courses is one very basic way that we can do that,” Schulist said.
As department head, Schulist often has to explain why she believes these courses are worth funding. Her response asks people to reflect on the history of Indigenous peoples in this country and the impact colonialism has had on their languages.
“How much money was spent on residential schools in order to destroy Indigenous languages? How much effort was put into — for a century — taking Indigenous languages away?”
Although Indigenous language courses are a step towards reconciliation, the program faces challenges as budget cuts impact the department. Schulist is in a challenging position when having to choose between two language courses to keep, one Indigenous and one not.
Both Schulist and Brinklow agree that Queen’s supports the programs and the teaching of Indigenous languages, but the uncertainty of funding always looms.
Despite financial concerns, the program continues to thrive.
Brinklow notices that these courses help create a sense of community. Many students have no prior knowledge of the language, which limits competition, and creates a positive learning environment for students.
“We get to know each other; everybody knows each other’s name because we’re learning a language,” Brinklow said.
In light of the language revitalization initiatives, protecting Indigenous languages and culture at Queen’s is important now more than ever. These courses are and should remain an integral part of Queen’s in an effort to remain faithful to their promises of reconciliation.
Tags
Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives, Indigenous languages, LLCU, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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