The Tlicho Government has formed an agreement with College Nordique to cover the cost of Tlicho language courses for members of the Indigenous community.
According to a news release from the college on April 3, the Tlicho Government also agreed to train another instructor in their language for the college.
The college stated its commitment to having the Tlicho people be part of the teaching process with a quote: SA国际影视传媒淣othing about them without them,SA国际影视传媒� it stated in its news release.
Georgina Franki, the Tlicho instructor at the college, expressed her passion for teaching the Indigenous community in the release.
SA国际影视传媒淚n our classes, we hear the beautiful, unique accents from the communities, like Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweeti and Whati, and Ndilo and Dettah,SA国际影视传媒� she stated. SA国际影视传媒淲hen I hear a different way of saying something, I donSA国际影视传媒檛 say that itSA国际影视传媒檚 wrong, I get excited!
SA国际影视传媒淭hatSA国际影视传媒檚 the richness and the celebration that we want to bring to the people.SA国际影视传媒�
In an interview with Yellowknifer, Franki said that there has been increased interest in learning the Tlicho language on an international level since the pandemic began.
SA国际影视传媒淭his is one of the reasons why we need the second (teacher),SA国际影视传媒� she said.
FrankiSA国际影视传媒檚 grandmother was an important part of her upbringing and helped her understand the Tlicho language, she added.
SA国际影视传媒淭his is the beauty about having an oral history,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淪tories told to you by your grandparents is very important.SA国际影视传媒�
One of the things that Franki has been teaching college students over the past four years is that the language derives from the Elders seeing the land.
SA国际影视传媒淲hen youSA国际影视传媒檙e looking at our natural environment in the Northwest Territories, thatSA国际影视传媒檚 where our language begins,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒�(That) is what they saw with their eyes and thereSA国际影视传媒檚 a story behind the language itself as well.SA国际影视传媒�
She encourages Indigenous youth to explore their heritage by learning the language.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 very important to know your culture, your way of life and your language so you can function in both worlds,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淭his is one of the teachings that we receive from our Elders.SA国际影视传媒�
Tlicho Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty stated that learning the Tlicho language is the essence of learning about the Tlicho people.
SA国际影视传媒淔or Indigenous peoples, revitalizing our languages is one of the most critical elements of self-determination and healing,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淥ur language is at the heart of our culture and identity, and the process of learning language is fundamental to building the well-being and the community.SA国际影视传媒�
Patrick Arsenault, executive director of the college, stated that he is pleased with the agreement.
SA国际影视传媒淔or College Nordique, this is a partnership that is a testament to our shared commitment to the revitalization of Indigenous languages and reconciliation,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Tyanna Steinwand, research operations manager for the Tlicho government, said, SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 hoping that if people see the Tlicho Government and College Nordique working together, more people will be encouraged to sign up.SA国际影视传媒�
College Nordique is a non-profit organization that offers education programs, including post-secondary and is known for its language courses in Tlicho, French, English and Spanish.
