First language and the unused 56th seat

Jul 22, 2022 · 17m 15s
First language and the unused 56th seat
Description

Legislation has been introduced to recognize Mi'kmaw as Nova Scotia's first language. It was proclaimed at a ceremony on July 17, 2022 in Potlotek First Nation. Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy...

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Legislation has been introduced to recognize Mi'kmaw as Nova Scotia's first language. It was proclaimed at a ceremony on July 17, 2022 in Potlotek First Nation. Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy noted "The governments of the past attacked us through our language when our children were punished for speaking it, but despite all of the efforts to destroy it, our language is still here and we are still here, and that shows our resilience as a people." This was recognized as a response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice. A report filed with the Legislature is also recommending government take action on a 1992 declaration to add an additional member to sit in the House as a representative of the Mi'kmaq people. For thirty years, that seat has remained vacant. This also coincides with efforts to rename Cornwallis Street in Halifax as part of reconciliation efforts with several Mi'kmaw words presented as options. Those are some of the issues taken up in this conversation with Native Studies Instructor Patti Doyle-Bedwell and Mi'kmaw language teacher Curtis Michael, both of Dalhousie University.
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Author SaltWire
Organization SaltWire Network
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