The second day of the First Nations Language Keepers conference is underway in Saskatoon.
This morning, a special guest speaker from Quebec took the podium.
Ellen Gabriel is well-known to many Canadians. She was the person chosen by her community of Kahnesatake to be their spokesperson during the Oka Crisis of 1990.
The Mohawk woman says language is one of the identifying pillars of First Nations communities, and it cannot be separated from culture.
Gabriel worries too many youth aren’t able to access their culture or language, or learn who they are, because they’re fixated on staying in touch through a cell phone.
She says Indian control of Indian education should be based on First Nations language, custom and beliefs — and shouldn’t be left up to the government.
Gabriel feels states like Canada have an obligation to promote culture.
She concluded her speech by saying some of the threats to Indigenous culture and language include the domination of other cultures through globalization.
At the same time, she says there are allies out there for First Nations — and leaders need to look hard to find them.
The conference concludes this afternoon.