The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (NBIFC) is commemorating 50 years of service in the city, and to help celebrate this milestone, the organization is hosting a language conference to promote Indigenous languages.
The two-day conference takes place at the Best Western Hotel on 700 Lakeshore Drive in North Bay. Many guest speakers are slated to present throughout the days of March 27 and 28.
“We are immensely proud to commemorate these milestones,” said Kathy Fortin, Executive Director of the NBIFC, referring to the decades of service. As for the conference, the event will “provide a platform for Indigenous languages and cultures to thrive.”
The theme of the conference is “Bringing our Languages Back.” Discussions will focus on supporting people who want to introduce more Indigenous language into their homes, address challenges of learning First Nation languages in urban environments, and help people reclaim their language and cultural heritage.
See: Nipissing First Nation preserves culture through Nishnaabemwin language classes
The conference is bringing together fluent speakers of Ojibwe, Cree, and Inuit, organizers emphasized, with the purpose of creating conversations that foster cultural exchange and learning.
James Vulkelich, an international speaker from Turtle Mountain Reservation, Wisconsin, is attending to share linguistic insights into the Seven Grandfather Teachings and Anishinaabemowin. Miriam Hall, from Happy Valley, Goose Bay, is also speaking at the conference to share her expertise in Inuit language and culture.
Local historians will be interested in Joan McLeod – Shabogesic’s talk, which details early contact history and local Anishinaabemowin place names in the North Bay area. Richard Assinewai, who serves as the Elder for the Anishinabek Nation, is discussing the teachings surrounding the spirit of language.
Velma Assinewai is also attending. A lifelong supporter of language reclamation, she will facilitate a workshop on how people can create safe spaces for language learners.
The two-day conference is free to attend. However, registration is required, as seats are limited. To register, contact Traci Koritsaris at the Indigenous Friendship Centre. Her phone number is 705-472-2811 ext. 249. You can also drop a line to [email protected], or register directly by filling out this RSVP form.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
