Hundreds are gathered in Saskatoon to learn the best ways to preserve and revitalize First Nations languages.

They are there for the annual Language Keepers Conference put on by the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre.

This year’s theme is “Honouring Residential School Survivors”.

SICC President Dorothy Myo says many survivors lost their languages when they were forced into residential schools and are working hard now to reclaim them.

One of those people is 66-year-old Ken Crowe from Wahpeton Dakota Nation.

He attended residential school for eight years and lost much of the Cree and Dakota he knew.

Crowe is re-learning the languages and passing them on to his children.

Myo believes if young people learn their First Nations identities, they will lead healthier lives.

The conference runs two days and Myo expects around 500 people will attend.