Honouring the Work, Honouring the Languages

2024 MILR cohort completes oral presentations

April was a momentous month for our 2024 MILR cohort. Twelve MILR students presented their projects in a full two days, April 20 and 21. Jennie Vandermeer defended successfully on the 17^th, bringing the total to 13 presentations and completed MILRs. It was moving to start our first full day with Miali lighting the qulliq, presenting primarily in Inuktut and Leena Evic carrying out the question period with Miali entirely in Inuktut.

Over the next two days we heard of projects describing bringing language to daily activities in the home, in sports, in schools, and online. We were treated to many inspiring examples of how to revitalize Indigenous languages in many spaces and places.

Hands raised up to Ewa and Belinda for all of their hard work bringing the cohort to completion on time for a June convocation. Appreciation for Leena Evic, founder of Pirurvik Centre, for her service as an additional committee member for Miali’s work and to Dr. Mique'l Dangeli, Assistant Professor, Indigenous Arts, for her service as a committee member for Torah's project. And a thank you to the chairs for the orals, chuutsqa, Wiigwaas, Lauren, Edōsdi, and Jean-Paul. HÍSW̱ḴE SÍAM to Colleen for tremendous organizing and administrative work to coordinate and ensure it all went smoothly.

April also saw the completion of the final two ILR Ph.D.’s who started in 2019. Yola Willie and Nathan Thanyehténhas Brinklow, successfully defended their dissertations. YAY! Look for more details about these and other projects in our next newsletter.

Building Knowledge Through Indigenous Literature

by Kāshā Morris

This past semester, ENSH 101 gathered online to engage with Indigenous literatures, stories, and ways of knowing. Learners spent time with works that centre relationality, representation, and story as knowledge, grounding their reflections in respect, curiosity, and community. Through close reading, discussion, and writing practice, learners connected literature to lived experience, cultural context, and identity, building skills in analysis, research, and academic writing along the way.

A highlight of the term was a visit from Edōsdi / Dr. Judy Thompson and Dr. Daniel Heath Justice. Their presence brought warmth, insight, and encouragement to the learning space. They spoke about the responsibilities that come with carrying stories, the importance of Indigenous voices in literature, and the role of community in academic work. Learners had the opportunity to ask questions, reflect, and connect with two respected Indigenous scholars whose contributions continue to shape the field.

Łān Mēduh to both scholars for joining the gathering and supporting the learning journey in ENSH 101. It was an awesome experience spending this term with such a thoughtful group, and the time shared together is deeply appreciated.

Speaking into the Future:

Many Pathways to Indigeous Language Vitality

In March 2026, Dr. Belinda Daniels co-presented alongside Dr. Andrea Sterzuk at the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) 2026 Conference, held in Chicago, IL. Their invited colloquium, Speaking into the Future: Many Pathways to Indigenous Language Vitality, brought together ideas and experiences focused on strengthening Indigenous language revitalization and reclamation efforts.

While Dr. Sterzuk presented in person, Daniels joined the session virtually via Zoom and video, demonstrating the collaborative nature of language revitalization work across distances and communities. Together, they explored the many pathways that support Indigenous language vitality, emphasizing that there is no single solution. Instead, meaningful progress comes through sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and adapting strategies to meet community needs.

The presentation highlighted a range of approaches that contribute to language revitalization, including language immersion camps, documentation initiatives, language legislation, and community-driven programming. Central to their message was the idea that collective learning and collaboration create stronger, more sustainable outcomes for Indigenous languages.

Participation in this international conference provided an opportunity to share local knowledge on a global stage while also learning from practitioners and researchers engaged in similar work worldwide. The experience reinforced the importance of connection, innovation, and community leadership in ensuring Indigenous languages continue to thrive for future generations.

Think Indigenous International Education Conference

In March 2026, the Think Indigenous International Education Conference brought together educators, leaders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, and community members to celebrate and advance Indigenous excellence in education. 

Stz'uminus BEDILR instructor, Karley Alleyn and student, Naiomi Toye, co-presented at the conference, contributing important conversation centered on Indigenous leadership and knowledge in education.