U of A Reflecting on 25 Years of Indigenous Language Revitalization

U of A Students checking out the Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literary Development Institute (Photo Credits - Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

The Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI) celebrated their 25th anniversary of strengthening Indigenous languages inside the University of Alberta.

Since the CILLDI was founded, the first course held nine students during their summer program which has grown to 100 students every year throughout 25 years.

Jordan Lachler, CILLDI director says it’s heartwarming to him from seeing all the hard work from many of the staff and students over the last 25 years, and adds that there is still more work needed to be done.

Jordan Lachler, director of CILLDI all smiles at the 25th anniversary inside the U of A (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Lachler goes on to say that it’s not about solving a problem today it’s about creating possible futures for the next generations in pursuit of Indigenous language revitalization.

CILLDI member sitting down with an Elder recording the language at the U of A (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Lachler adds that this was the vision the founders had 25 years ago with seeing the passion from so many from Indigenous communities wanting to keep the languages alive and to teach the new generations that followed by developing resources and motivating the youth.

Indigenous language books on display in the U of A (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)

Lachler is hopeful that students will see themselves in their journey in language revitalization and that they aren’t alone, with support from fellow students and the CILLDI in their efforts to continue to share the same vision of restoring languages back to full health.