Sincere congratulations to Senapan Thunder whose passion and dedication to teaching and sharing nêhiyawêwin was recognized this week with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. She joins an impressive and growing cohort of Cree language warriors whose work we cheer, as they lead the reawakening of Cree that we are striving for together.
The award was presented by Lt Gov Bernadette McIntyre (the photo above is taken from the live feed of the ceremony), but emcee Lt Col Jason Quilliam added some extra sparkle to the proceedings (including a wonderful smile from Senapan) by introducing Senapan in Cree: a powerful acknowledgement in itself of the strides our language warriors continue to achieve through their years of dedicated commitment and growing collaboration amongst themselves.
In the words of Charlotte Ross, on behalf of a great many Cree learners whose lives Senapan continues to touch, “sôskwâc kimamîcihinân Senapan: kisâkihitinân.”
Here’s the citation from the induction:
Senapan Thunder is a leader in the use of technology and education to foster the revitalization of nêhiyawêwin, the Cree language and culture.
After earning her education degree in 1992, she began her career as a teacher at Thunderchild First Nation. Over years she developed curriculum as a language teacher in North Battleford, which started with elementary students and expanded to high school – finally evolving into a week-long Elders’ program. By seeking advice and guidance from her Elders, Senapan was empowered to help lead an entire school system toward integrating nêhiyaw (Cree) culture and ceremony into its program.
In 2018, she stepped away from the traditional classroom after a career that spanned all grades and ages and that included service as an administrator and resource person, or “nehiyaw language catalyst,” for the Saskatoon Catholic School Division. Her passion has not dimmed though her methods have evolved, as she now teaches Cree using technology. She uses video, television, applications and social media to help carry multiple dialects into a lively and secure future for both youth and adults.
Her tireless work with the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Language Project provided technical and language support to .populate the language app and develop free resources that are available online. She continues to be a mentor to many in their personal journey to relearn their language and culture, and shares nehiyawewin with learners in an online adult Cree group called “Cree & Tea.” Her efforts are truly a gift to the entire province of Saskatchewan.
