Do You Speak My Language - Mi'kmaw at First Nations School in Nova Scotia

Students at We'koqma'q Mi'kmaq School in Nova Scotia realize the need to keep their language alive.

[@patriciabrockway6508]

awsome, i am learning my mikmaq language and it is my first joy, i pledge to do my part to bring back our language and culture, congrats to you all, what an amazing job, be proud Wela'lin

[@amandafrancis2109]

MI, 9

[@junebaby2478]

Unfortunately this is another big loss in Indigenous culture! I was able to speak Cree to my parents when I was a little girl, to an extent. But as I got older, speaking and learning English became very important... I regret not taking the time to learn and carry on my language in the way my parents did, they are very fluent Cree speakers. It really is an honour to be bi-lingual and educated. I feel proud when I see younger/adolescent people speaking fluent Cree to elders. Higher up North, in Saskatchewan, they speak it very well to each other. I pray it stays strong and never-ending!

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

My cooking lives on... 🤔

[@lenz40]

I'm so happy to see our young Mikmaq people learning the language again, I'm full Mikmaq from Elsipogtog New Brunswick and I live in Winnipeg, I do not speak Mikmaq perfectly, but me and my Grammy who is also Mikmaq are learning together, I have done a lot to get into my culture, and I'm practicing so much of my culture

[@924rob]

Thank you for your comments. Glad you enjoyed it. Please feel free to share this video anywhere.

[@lenz40]

i sure will, it is so important to know the language, as it is one of the most important parts in the Mikmaq culture, its part of our identity

[@mitch-te5ss]

I've recently started to try and learn it. My family has always known we were Mi'kmaq but we were told it was too dangerous to tell people, although my nan and my aunt were bullied for looking native anyways. But we always lived traditionally in the food we ate and the communities and bonds we made to each other and our home. Something about speaking it puts my heart at ease in a way I haven't felt since I was a young boy out in the woods with my grandfather. When Magit said its part of your spirit, I really felt that... She's completely correct.

[@924rob]

Thanks for the comment Haley. We made the movie to promote the language by telling everyone how important speaking the language is to the students themselves. Feel free to share it all you want. Show it to your teacher too!

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

I cannot but I'm open to you're teachings ??? 🤔

[@bellahontas510]

I'm so so proud of everyone involved in this video. Our culture is so beautiful, and to truly experience and appreciate it, and to keep it going, we must try all we can to learn and teach it

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

What little bit I learned, they just took it away. Like someone throwing trash out the window.

[@4Youalone3]

I called American Indian House in Dec 1987 looking for a Mohawk name for my child. The only native speaker was Mi'qmaw. He gave me a name. WISHTAY. "FLOWER IN WINTER". I still wanted Mohawk name to honor my grandmother, but decided to accept this gift of a beautiful name for my daughter who was born in Jan, 1988.

[@AlexanderStone]

I'm just a white guy who has discovered some really really mindblowing historical narratives from Native-Americans. I'm trying to learn the various Algonquin dialects, in an effort to track backwards a forgotten history. I started by looking at satellite imagery of the Earth, and especially here in Canada. I was discovering one peculiarity after another... massive land formations that are unmistakably intelligent built, with right-angles, design, and intention. This includes rivers, mountains, bays, and the many giant footprints I have discovered across the globe. Glooscap, Gitche Manitou, Kitchekewana, Metacomet, and so many more, I am convinced were very real. There is a great audiobook on youtube called "Algonquin legends of New England" which I have just finished. It's a collection of many great accounts of this history. This planet was terrafomed/altered by advanced beings, of which Native-Americans have the best (but not only) accounts of. I live near Giants Tomb Island in Ontario, but am moving to New Brunswick in part to further my search for truth. The home of Glooscap. Our history is literally reminiscent of Star Trek episodes. Both religion & science are wrong. I've been an atheist my whole life, favouring science, but I admittedly am forced to admit that our science is wrong, in the sense that it tries to explain what is actually intelligent/intentional alterations of the earth as natural phenomenon, and they're wrong. Maybe the continents might have taken 250 million years to seperate from Pangea, if it weren't done by advanced species, which it absolutely was. We look at the facts as we think we know them, so when we see the continents (for instance) move a centimeter or two every year, we track back how long it would have taken for the continents to have separated from Pangea. That doesn't not mean that that is how it happened however, it's just our best estimate. Somewhere along the road, we got cocky about our estimates. Even worse, we're wrong.

[@4Youalone3]

My daughter and I also saw a play by Mi'kmaw young people while we were on PEI. We really enjoyed it. I love PEI.

[@EldonJohnMb2]

Silence can cause loss. Speak when you must.

[@PVNICVTTVCK]

What a fantastic, interesting culture and language! Love it so much!

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

I'm not going to argue my case in front of a jury !!!

[@sadie0decoste]

This is brilliant. I have some Mi'kmaq heritage from Nova Scotia in my blood, and came across this as I am doing a speech/monologue about oppression, assimilation and language loss for my drama class. Congrats to you for putting together such an accurate look into your community - it means more to me than you can imagine.

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

They don't only want a Zero turn tractor, they want everything !!! 🤔

[@Snaddy22]

My parents are both Mi'kmaq.. I've always wanted to learn... but no one taught me.. I went to school having a Mi'kmaq class so I know a little.. but after grade 6 they said I didn't need it anymore because it "wasn't a important class to have.... So I slowly started to forget what I learned.. BUT I remember asking my homeroom teacher why we didn't have Mi'kmaq classes but we still had French.. she told me it was more important to learn french then Mi'kmaq because Canada was a bilingual country.. French.. and English.. The explanation really didn't bother me until today.. Because I believe our language should still be taught to us today and we should all know our native language because it's a part of who we are as First Nations People

[@924rob]

Thanks for watching and I really enjoyed reading your comments. I hope you will be able to learn the language some day. We find that learning the language helps the students connect to their elders and gives them pride in their heritage. There are plenty of web resources and there is new content being created all the time. We are working on some iPad apps that we hope will help teach the language.

[@emilygoogoo3173]

Our language where we go to school we have mikmaq near the front and to go have a drink or go to the bathroom we have to say it in mikmaq

[@ShebeChloe]

Fight it my 12 year old son did and now his learning his native tongue

[@924rob]

Thanks Sadie. The students deserve all of the credit. Share it as often and in as many places as you like.

[@924rob]

Thank you for your kind comments. Please fell free to repost this video anywhere you like.

[@sandygibson4584]

I saw the video of the Mi'kmaq Immersion School. What a brilliant idea! ❤️ I wish all of you much success in the recovery of your precious language, culture and community. 😀

[@cheequinayuwokmakuwok1048]

LOVE U ALL . Thank U .

[@wifeyvw]

R.i.p grandma Margaret rose.

[@chickadillydee]

i love this so much!!!

[@elaineozameen9889]

Wela'lioq thank you to the young people who put this video together, I lived four decades without knowing my true heritage, I am trying to learn my language and this video shows me I am not alone on this quest, basket weaving is also something I would love to learn. Until then I walk the good red road and one day I will make it home again, love and prayers to my brothers and sisters, fight the good fight, Wela'lin

[@4Youalone3]

In 2013 we went to PEI to the rez there. It was a holiday so we didn't see too many people.

[@presleybernard2514]

Found myself when I was a kid

[@SydneyAngelle]

I have lots of respect for young people who seek out their language and the elderly who teach them. My language and culture is dying because my people are too apathetic, and the children too interested in American pop culture. Seeing your video and hope brought me joy.

[@924rob]

I'm really glad you liked it. Language is such an important part of culture.

[@jubchuqun]

Great video. I am Cherokee and my father spoke Cherokee, but I do not speak it very much. But I struggle to learn, to teach, and to pass on my people's language as best as I can. I understand very well what the elders in this video are saying. ᎣᏍᏓᏛ! (well done!).

[@autumnlheureux4231]

Beautiful, hopeful and sad...I am piecing together my native lines, which thus far are Metis, Anishinaabe, Cree, & Mi'kmaq, I'm filling in our blanks that by my dad's time had just become rumors, we didn't know who what when or where, I'm so proud of these lines..I'm a linguist of sorts, Spanish is my 2nd language, because of my best friend. I wish I had another lifetime to learn my native languages, they are so beautiful..I will do what I can!

[@Druggs06360]

Love this video❣️

[@keelytoney3648]

I used to go mikmaq school but people should go and support us I'm doing a project about residential school and when I make my own vids I'll talk namultes

[@julieanntregeagle2594]

My DNA markers are dominantly Akkadian. G….Grandfather was Grand Chief Henri Membertou, his wife, Maria. Some day I will visit my ancestor’s land. I would love to speak that language.

[@carlissagoogoo6643]

i love it

[@TheMatthew1128Clovis]

I 'am an American but have traits to the M'ikmaq tribe. and I am much interested in learning this language!! so that I may be able to speak it, and know my heritage more.

[@924rob]

Thank you for your comments. I hear similar stories from people from all over North America. feel free to share this video or repost it anywhere you like.

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

" I'm just a small town white boy"

[@radiowavegames247]

Msit No'kmaq....Wela'lioq

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

These Teachers, here in the USA would use thier pointers smack our hand's & break our knucles ???

[@SkadiVanir]

Oh and found out my recently discovered father is half mi'kmaq! Its so cool to know i have such a great heritage

[@croweddy]

My hat goes off to the wonderful young people that made this video and all those that contributed to make this video such a wonderful thing. Question; Is there a copy of the song at the end of the video on You Tube? Wela'lin Ga'qaquj

[@924rob]

Thank you for your comment. They are a great bunch of kids.I will try to get that song for you for you.

[@croweddy]

Rob Smith Wela'lin

[@emilygoogoo3173]

There all like 30 and 25 now

[@emilygoogoo3173]

Are the bus driver rob smith?

[@924rob]

+Emily Googoo Yes.

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

dude, this is cool

[@ashlynninwonderland]

Being half mi'kmaq I feel the urge to learn both my native tongues. Atleast my child is lin indian school ute is taught every morning. But my other half has been neglected and I don't know my reservation. Nova Scotia is far far from Colorado. AHO!

[@RealWrestlingBeaver]

I go to that school I was only 3 when this was made

[@SkadiVanir]

i would love to speak the Mi'kmaq language. learning over the internet is too hard, i need to get out there and actually be taught it.

[@Neorah5721]

Msit No'kmaq!

[@marekbelec8896]

Neorah Elaine Tremblay-Garcia The Great Spirit is with us

[@emilygoogoo3173]

I go there

[@redneckgirl3326]

I learned Lakota and Apsaalooke, but I would also like to learn the languages of my own ancestors-- Mi'kmaq and French.

[@924rob]

There are lots of free apps available on the app store to support the language. Just search mikmaw on the apple app store. There are lots of resources at fnhelp.com too.

[@SkadiVanir]

I know few words, like Kwe', Wela'lin, wela'lioq and Gjiga'qaquj, and can pronounce them quite well!

[@Puzzlingitout]

I'm from the mikmaq tribe (my grandmother left the reservation as a small child) and Blackfoot (from my great grandfather) it's very hard to find information about the mikmaq culture, I'd give anything to know my grandmother's native language. She refused to speak it.

[@kathymitchell2822]

There are many Sites such as Migma'q Online & the best part, they record the sound of the word properly ✊🏾 There is also L'nuisiti as well that shares the word and how to say it 💞 I'm 51 & Etlinnu'ginamasi~Learning my native language ✊🏾 Tesigisg'g~ Every day on these sites ❤ I have numerous books with Sentences~ and their meanings 😊 It is Up to Us Now to Revitalize Our Culture & Language... We can't make excuses anymore.. We are Losing Too Many Native Elders along with Their Stories 😔 It's Heartbreaking; so As Migma'q, It is Our Duty to Keep Our Culture Alive and Thriving ✊🏾 Tahoe

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

Everytime somebody steps on this property something comes up missing ???

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

& they ask you ???

[@alwynjeddore6792]

Lnui'sin?

[@HoneysEffect]

It's not taught all the way through school, which is a shame. Parent's don't speak to their children in mikmaq anymore. I'm 19 and the only time I can remember my mother speaking mikmaq to me was when she was mad! haha So I know only angry words.

[@cartergogan776]

I have recently found out that I am Mi'kmaq and wish to learn our language. If anyone can help me with this, I would be most indebted to them.

[@TLeighFinck]

I have also lost my heritage and my tong. my father was fostered out at a young age and he dose not remember it. I also hold no status because he can not prove who his family is. I only know one half of my family my moms side. it is sad really. I yearn to know who I am.

[@deansimon9501]

Weltek aqq weltaq

[@haleypaul2058]

i want to speak it but my mi'kmaq teacher does not speak it a lot i really know English. I am 11 years old and i really want to speak it. i am in a school that only has mi'kmaq once a week and a lot of people in my school take french. i really want to speak my language

[@emilygoogoo3173]

BRIT

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

I want to learn I'm enrolled as a Micmac in Maine, but my Mother has two Cards. One from Canada & one in Maine. She filed the paperwork why haven't I received mine yet ??? Am I considered a National Security Threat ???

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

Yes, your rite; this is how Micmacs have been treated all of our live's. We are talking about my Grandmother, she made it clear don't speak in that tongue anymore. She was on a reservation & I loved my Grandmother !!! I wish I could speak my Native Language ???

[@KoriJaiden]

Kwe'! :) M'ikmawisn ki'l? I want to learn. it's hard though with not many people. I am M'ikmaw on my mom's side.

[@emilygoogoo3173]

I'm mikmaq in my community and mom and dad

[@KoriJaiden]

@@emilygoogoo3173 nice

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

Mermaid tears, these Plastic Islands in Oceans around the world ???

[@danachos]

wela'win

[@emilygoogoo3173]

I saw my Grammys house

[@keelytoney3648]

Hi Emily I already miss the school sorry I left :(

[@emilygoogoo3173]

+Keely Toney it's okay and I forgive you I hope u forgive me😕

[@emilygoogoo3173]

+Keely Toney and I miss you too so does the whole class one day we were all like we miss you and wish you never left the school

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

Do you want to pet the Dog or win your case ???

[@damageincorporatedmetal43v73]

I had this Timber Wolf, he would only trust my step Father Joe & my Mom ???

[@SkadiVanir]

Mi'kmaw*

[@alwynjeddore6792]

L'nui'sin ki'l? Do you speak Mi'kmaq?

[@924rob]

Moqo

[@924rob]

I understand the names if some everyday sayings and some objects and numbers but not enough to really speak it.

[@alwynjeddore6792]

Rob Smith oh ok. Im fluent, from eskasoni. My grandfather was Wilfred Prosper Sr. I can help teach you if you wanted :) my email is [e-mail]

[@KoriJaiden]

Kijka'ji'jk!

[@joesphphillips6188]

alwyn jeddore

[@924rob]

moqo

[@joechiappe2274]

This is sad, but its wrong to blame video games and tv on the destruction of the language. I wholeheartedly believe that when this happens blaming doesn't solve the problem.

[@924rob]

Everyone has an opinion and you're certainly entitled to yours. Rod is my friend and he witnessed the decline of the language so I tend to listen to what someone with his knowledge and experience has to say. I think that before TV and radio and outside influences, people spoke in their language to each other by sharing stories and conversing daily in their own language. When TV came people sat around and watched and listened to stories in English. How could it not contribute to the decline of their language? I don't think it's sad at all. I think the production of this video in 2009 marked a turning point in the resurrection of their language. The tables are turning. We are creating digital content in the Mi'kmaw language. There are so many Mi'kmaw apps now available for free in the app store that an iPad can barely fit them all. The language is making a comeback and it's wonderful to witness it.

[@joechiappe2274]

Rob Smith I was saying it’s sad that the language is disappearing. I agreed with everything they were talking about in the video up until many of the individuals being interviewed started to blame tv and video games. I think that reviving the language is important to keeping cultural values, however I think it is wrong to blame a problem on one thing. I don’t think the world is that simple. Problems arise due to many issues. Thank you for sharing your ideas, I always want to listen and learn from others. I think it is awesome that the language revival is continuing to happen.