The nēhiyawak language summer camps at Sturgeon lake are family oriented. (nehiyawak.org)

By Teena Monteleone

Nêhiyawak Language Experience

Cree language program founded in Sturgeon Lake receives national literacy award

Sep 6, 2024 | 3:00 PM

A Cree language and education program that was founded in Sturgeon Lake two decades ago has received a national award that recognizes outstanding achievements, innovative practices, and excellence in literacy.

The Council of Federation Literacy Award (CoFLA)for Saskatchewan went to Nêhiyawak Language Experience (nLE). The program is focused on the preservation and enrichment of Cree language and offers experiences and education through workshops, lectures, and community projects.

“We started out as a summer language immersion camp and we’ve expanded into other areas like online learning. We have one program called Bring Cree Home For Dinner where we learn how to speak Cree around the table. We also do translation projects, research, and second language adult learning,” said founder Belinda Daniels.

Over the last two decades, nLE has welcomed thousands of individuals from across North America and other continents to participate in programs like the Sturgeon Lake Multifaceted Language Revitalization Project.

The summer literacy immersion camps provide hands-on experiences in land-based learning to enhance language skills but also reinforce cultural connections and help maintain land identity. The programs are also family-orientated. Adults can attend teachings while their children are cared for on site. The teachers at nLE range from Elders to professors with Master’s degrees in language methodologies.

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“I would like to congratulate the Nêhiyawak Language Experience on receiving this monumental recognition and national award,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a press release. “We know that literacy and learning are key to a strong Saskatchewan, including opening doors to employment, better social and health outcomes and active participation in society.”

Daniels called the award a tremendous honour and a pathway to new relationships.

“Between settlers and First Nation’s people, it’s recognition that we have our own literacy. It’s a huge recognition.”

She encouraged people to learn a greeting in Cree.

“Learn how to say hello or an introduction in the local Indigenous language of the land you live on and Cree is one of them… nēhiyaw is one of the biggest land mass languages in Canada,” Daniels said.

The CoFLA was created in 2004 by Canada’s Premiers.

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