A language conference will put some new voice to the region's original tongue. The Dene language, spoken for eons by the resident Carrier First Nations of the area, is in peril.
With so few people able to speak it fluently, thanks to generations of English enforcement at residential schools, linguistic extinction is a possibility.
Concerned Dene speakers are not going to silently let the language die. Keynote speeches by Gloria Duncan, Justa Monk and Ed John are highlights of the upcoming conference.
"We want to start thinking of ways to honor our language speakers past, present, and future speaker from our communities," said Cheryl Webster, a Prince George aboriginal education worker and an organizer of the Dene Language Conference.
"Our sub-themes are on revitalization, preservation and maintenance, as many of our speakers are leaving [and our] young are taking up language classes," Webster said. "This is just one small show of appreciation to honor their efforts to keep our language and culture alive for future generations to enjoy."
She is calling for public input for the conference. Anyone with someone in mind who has worked to keep the Dene language alive in their home community or family household, Webster welcomes nominations (send a photo and biography).
Linguists Gary Holton, Sharon Hargus, Patrick Moore and John Aldrete are among the panelists involved in the event.
Language is also advanced via the arts, and the conference will showcase the Louie Singers, Lhiedli T'enneh Khas t'an Drummers and Harley Davis, local music acts who are aboriginal success stories for their performance skills.
The conference takes place at UNBC on June 18 to 20. For more information contact the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council at 250-562-6279.
