Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to talk about the exciting partnership that is benefitting the people of the Deh Cho. Aboriginal language revitalization is an award-winning and accessible four-year certificate program taught out of the University of Victoria but based here in the NWT. It pairs fluent speakers with adult students interested in learning Dene Zhatie, also known as South Slavey. I wanted to take the opportunity to briefly say something in my language as well.
[English translation not provided.]
This program is innovative because, unlike a traditional classroom setting, students get the opportunity to speak their language frequently, and not just when they are in class. Students must put in 100 hours of conversation with their mentors over the duration of the program with no English allowed. The groundbreaking program was featured earlier this year on CBC, at which time 17 students were participating.
This language program is being hosted by the Deh Gah School in Fort Providence in collaboration with the University of Victoria. I think it is a great program to preserve an Aboriginal language. I want to congratulate this year’s graduates and encourage anyone who wishes to learn or improve their Dene Zhatie to consider this exciting program.
Student Dahti Tstetso says…[English translation not provided]…anything is possible, one day I will speak really good Dene. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
