New money found for 'language nests' (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

New money found for 'language nests'

WebPosted  May 5 2004 02:42 PM CDT
http://north.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/EmailStory?filename=nwt-langnest05052004&region=North

YELLOWKNIFE

A program to introduce aboriginal children to their language and culture
in the N.W.T. is getting a new lease on life.

The territorial government has announced it has found $900,000 to keep
the "nests" program alive. It started as a pilot project three years
ago, but ran out of money in March.

The preschool immersion program features "language nests" modelled on a
program that successfully revitalized the Maori language in New
Zealand.

Young children learn their language and traditional skills with teachers
and elders in their community.

On Tuesday education minister Charles Dent announced the new spending,
saying it would continue into the future.

He says funding is scarce in the territory right now, but the government
can't afford to let go of this program.

"It may help to save some of the aboriginal languages but the primary
function is to make sure that young people are comfortable in their own
culture and heritage," he says. "Because knowing oneself is important
to be successful in the learning setting."

Members of the legislative assembly unanimously supported a
reinstatement of the project.

Cate Sills, executive director of the N.W.T. Literacy Council, says the
council was disappointed when the government didn't renew the program
this year. She's glad to see it back so soon.

"The link between language and culture is
 you can't distinguish between
the two, language is culture," she says. "So it's really important that
there be some public investment so the communities can build capacity
to try to reclaim their language."

The money will be used to hire and train teachers and buy learning aids.

The program will be available in 18 Northwest Territories communities.