WOLASTOQEY LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOL
Donation protected
Why do we need immersion:
Wolastoqey language is the essence of the people, their worldview and their homeland. Wolastoqey territory extends from Western New Brunswick, into Maine and Quebec.
Currently, there are no Wolastoqey immersion schools, and so the language is at risk of extinction. Almost all fluent Wolastoqey speakers are 65 years and older, so we only have a short window of time to involve our fluent speakers in the revitalization of our language.
Can immersion deprive my child from learning English?
"Parents must not believe that immersion in the Language will deprive their children of opportunities to advance academically, due to a lack of English. Studies have shown that bilingualism does not hinder, but enhancers, a child’s development."
- PhD Marianne B. Ignace, Handbook for Aboriginal Language Program Planning.
Can you revitalize a language through immersion?
Early childhood land based immersion has been proven successful in Mi`kmaq, Mohawk and Hawaiian Nations and more. The process of revitalization requires resources, such as curriculum development, teacher training, land and shelter.. With the help of your donation we can move forward in starting an early years immersion school.
We are Presently in our second year of teaching!
Please help us to save our language.
More information about our organisation:
The primary mission of Kehkimin is to sustain and strengthen the Wolatoqey language revitalization movement through immersive language and land based education that is embedded in the life ways of Wolastoqiyik.
Kehkimin will create new generations of fluent Wolastoqey speakers that will help to re-connect to the language and life ways of the Wolastoqiyik, and will empower to carry the language and ways of life forward for future generations.
The present chair-persons on Kehkimin are :
Lisa Perley-Dutcher
Chkwapun Sappier
Margaret Paul
Ron Tremblay
Press release:
Organizer
Kehkimin Language initiative
Organizer
Fredericton, NB