Treaty Two Territory – Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) has launched IRTC Anishinaabemowin Language App, a Saulteaux language mobile app, to help Interlake First Nations reclaim their ancestral language.
“Our hope with this app is that it helps protect and revitalize the Saulteaux language within our First Nations communities,” said IRTC Chair, Chief Cornell McLean. “Protecting Indigenous languages in Manitoba and in this country is central to the identity of Indigenous Peoples, the preservation of our cultures, worldviews and visions and is an expression of self-determination.”
According to the most recent census data, there are more than 70 Indigenous languages in Canada today, reflecting the rich diversity of Indigenous peoples across this land, yet three out of four Indigenous languages are endangered. IRTC is hopeful that initiatives like their new app, will help Indigenous Peoples reclaim and protect their language, for generations to come.
“When Indigenous languages are under threat, so too are Indigenous Peoples themselves,” added IRTC CEO Karl Zadnik. “So many of our parents weren’t able to pass the Saulteaux language to their kids, and now many of them are unable to speak and connect in their language. We’re hopeful that this is a step in protecting our language and the ability of future generations to connect to our language and our culture.”
The IRTC Anishinaabemowin Language App app is currently available on Apple’s App Store (https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/irtc-anishinaabemowin-language/id6547866984) and on Google’s Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.indigpro.irtcsaulteauxlanguageapp&pcampaignid=web_share) The app aims to help First Nations people reclaim their Indigenous language.
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About the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council
The Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) consists of a partnership of seven Manitoba Interlake communities working together to advance the collective well-being of their members.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karl Zadnik, CEO
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council info@irtc.ca
