Indigenous language program in northwestern Ontario threatened by lack of government funding [Video]

Sarah Nelson says she’s been trying to reclaim Ojibway for years, which is why she’s worried about the potential suspension of an Indigenous language revitalization program in Thunder Bay, Ont., that she’s been part of since September.

The program is delivered by Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM), a tribal council that represents eight First Nations in Treaty 9 and one First Nation in Robinson-Superior.

Its language program has been offered in the northwestern Ontario city and several Matawa communities for two years.

“I think my favourite thing is that they use mindfulness as a tool, so meditation at the beginning and the end of the class,” said Nelson, a member of Couchiching First Nation who lives in Thunder Bay.

“It really does, I think, have an impact on how you learn.” 

Earlier this month, MFNM announced a lack of funding from the provincial and federal governmentsmeans it may not be possible to keep the …