WAH WAH ŠIKWA ONŌSIHSAH: NAHKAWĒWIN REVITALIZATION THROUGH LIVED EXPERIENCES

Abstract

This study explores Nahkawēwin language revitalization. This study draws on the language nest model, which first originated with Maori grandmothers and their grandchildren. In this study, my mother and I created a mini language nest in both of our homes to teach my children the gift of their language, Nahkawēwin. My research was guided by three questions: 1) How will language nests help my family and my community? 2) What are the challenges for using a language nest for Indigenous language revitalization? and 3) How can Elders, lodges and homes be agents and sites of Indigenous language revitalization? In answering these questions, I have used both Western and Indigenous knowledge and research methodology. The language nest not only brought the language alive in our homes, it brought determination, hope, and connection; connection not only to the language, but to our culture. It brought closeness to our family in ways that were not present before. This mini language nest was not to only benefit my children, but also the children of my community and other communities seeking ways to revitalize their languages in the comforts of their own homes, naturally and holistically. Home-based language learning is so much more than learning the language within the walls of the home, but it opens up opportunities to re-examine what it means to have a home in general, what it means to take care of a home, and what it means to live with purpose. If we have healthier homes, we can have a healthier community. During the study, it became apparent to me just how hard language revitalization could be in an English dominant society. Though there may be many challenges, one needs to keep going and celebrate the small successes in language learning, as they are still successes. Our Elders and our ceremonies must be acknowledged in language learning, as in Anihšināpē world view. Our languages are a gift from our Creator and they too have a spirit.