Apajitayek [ahh bah jee die ekk] “we are coming back”

November 5, 2019 Corner Brook—The Qalipu Cultural Foundation is pleased to announce it will be hosting free language and culture camps in Grand Falls-Windsor, St. George’s and Corner Brook.  In addition to basic conversation and introductory Mi’kmaw language course work, the two-day camps will offer participants a chance to engage in learning song, dance, history and stories about their Mi’kmaq ancestors.

Sherry Dean, Chairperson of the Qalipu Cultural Foundation noted, “We are so pleased to work with our neighbours in Nova Scotia to bring language and cultural teachings to our communities in Newfoundland.   Language is the key to understanding culture and participants can expect much more than simple translations from English to Mi’kmaw; they will in fact begin to better understand the culture to which we belong.”

The Cultural Foundation has engaged Robert Bernard of the Diversity Management Group to bring the camps to Newfoundland.  Bernard will work with experienced teacher Joel Denny from Eskasoni and his apprentice, Newfoundland born Dean Simon, a member of the Qalipu First Nation.

Bernard shared, “Language lessons will be based on the root word system of learning.  This way of learning helps participants to better understand the heart of the language and build their word recognition and vocabulary.  We will focus on basic conversation first, in the home, conversations with friends and family.”

Sherry Dean explained that to be fair, selection will be made by a draw among all those who register.  For those unable to participate in person, Dean was pleased to share an exciting aspect of this project.

“We understand that not all of our members are living in or around one of our traditional communities and we know that everyone deserves the opportunity to be involved.  That’s why the teachings provided at these camps will be video recorded and made available online, wjit msɨt no’kmaq-for all our relations.”

Camps have been scheduled for the following locations:

Grand Falls-Windsor at the Corduroy Brook Nature Centre, November 19-20

St. George’s at the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, November 21-22

Corner Brook- to be announced

For more information please contact Nicole Travers at ntravers@qalipu.ca or call 634-4706.