Language community Key elements of plan
Chipewyan Vision: A fully bilingual homeland, with the chipewyan language and culture as the primary language of the region
Goals:
  • Preserve the structure and terminology of the language, along with the traditional stories and teachings
  • Ensure that younger generations understand and learn the skills, knowledge,
    ceremonies, values and beliefs embedded in the language
  • Increase the numbers of fluent speakers of the language, particularly those
    using the language as a first language at home
  • Provide a purpose for using the language, and create laws and policies to make
    the language the dominant language in the region
Cree Vision: Cree people will have the ongoing opportunity to learn and speak their language at home, in the community, and in the school system. Many Cree cultural activities will take place in the community and on the land. The Cree language will be the main language used to practice and express Cree culture.
Goals:
  • Encourage people to make a personal commitment to learn, teach and speak the language at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Encourage organizations to support Cree language through funding, participating in language planning, providing assistance with Cree activities
  • Encourage organizations to commit resources, to take part in planning activities, and to help with Cree language and cultural activities
  • Develop family-based instruction in the appropriate cultural context
  • Create stronger links with the schools
  • Develop more Bush Cree materials, particularly videos of elders speaking the language
  • Increase public awareness about loss of language and pride in Cree language