Resurgence of Indigenous languages requires effort on multiple fronts, and new supports created by the University of Victoria (UVic) are removing barriers for students.
The Indigenous Language Revitalization Awards rolled out this fall to support students from the following nine local First Nations: Songhees, Esquimalt, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tseycum, Tsawout, Sci'anew, T'Sou-ke and Malahat First Nations. This September, we welcomed the first cohort of Indigenous students to receive financial assistance for entering or continuing specific Indigenous language programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
"These new Indigenous Language Revitalization Awards are incredibly meaningful to First Nations peoples. In W̱SÁNEĆ, we are deeply committed to language revitalization and deliver recurring undergraduate programming that supports our SENĆOŦEN immersion stream of programming at ȽÁU,WEL EW̱ Elementary School and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School," says Kendra Underwood, director, W̱SÁNEĆ College.
"These Indigenous Language Awards strengthen our ability to provide SENĆOŦEN programming at W̱SÁNEĆ College each year without the concern of potential financial barriers occurring for students who are engaged in becoming proficient speakers of our sacred language."
By offering this award, UVic is taking meaningful steps towards supporting the linguistic and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. The introduction of the award is part of UVic's broader commitment to uphold ʔetalnəwəl | ÁTOL,NEUEL | Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationships with all things, such as fostering respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
"Our goal with the Indigenous Language Revitalization Award is to provide Indigenous students with the resources to pursue their language studies free from financial barriers," says Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Robina Thomas, UVic vice-president Indigenous.
"We are committed to supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages, which are integral to our identity as Indigenous peoples. This award not only supports our students, but also contributes to the broader effort of strengthening Indigenous languages within our local communities."
