The row of faces above is likely familiar by now to most Canadians as leaders of their respective federal political parties. Tonight, during the national leaders’ debate, each one of them will have their utterances translated into Plains Cree (and nearly a dozen other unofficial languages) by people we consider to be the real stars of the show. Thanks to Kevin Lewis for the photos of the Plains Cree team, and for letting us know about his latest Ottawa adventure, as they prepare together for tonight’s debate.
The following CBC news link includes details of how and where you can watch the debate in an impressive array of languages (Ojibwe! Dene! Plains Cree! East Cree! Inuktitut!): https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/election-leaders-debate-how-to-watch-1.6161382
It is a special joy to see the Cree language used officially in this way. Kevin reports that the Plains Cree team consists of himself, along with Matilda Lewis, both from Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, and Clarence Whitestone of Onion Lake Cree Nation. It is also particularly sweet for him and for us that they are accompanied by Cree immersion students from the kâniyâsihk mihkiwâhpa Cree Immersion School, who are witnessing some remarkable language warriors in action, and gaining inspiration to carry their language gifts into the next generation.
tâpwê kihci! kimamihcihinân!
ᑖᐻ ᑭᐦᒋ! ᑭᒪᒥᐦᒋᐦᐃᓈᐣ!
Truly great! You make us proud.
Photos below are from Kevin’s FaceBook feed, and used with his permission.
2 Responses
Wahwaa! Maamaskatch!
Awesome!!!