(Ottawa, ON) – May 17, 2023 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is pleased to announce the release of episode 20 with Reverend Larry Beardy. Rev. Beardy is from Tataskweyak Cree Nation on Treaty 5 Territory. Rev. Beardy is a former Cree language syllabics teacher.

Rev.Beardy shares how he entered teacher training in his own community and learned about the structure of the syllabics writing through the local Elders who used to teach the language. For younger students, he shares that it is important to focus solely on the oral form and to be in an environment where the language thrives, for example with transmission of the language through story-telling. Rev. Beardy shares how the language and the culture must be taught together and how important it is to teach it on the land, not just in the classroom. He talks about the history of the Cree syllabics language system, sharing: “My understanding of creating the syllabic system, it was created by our people. Our own people. They took the symbols of the land or the signs, what I call monuments… it’s all in the symbols of our syllabics.” Rev. Beardy thinks often about how to re-introduce the language back to the youth so that the Elders and the young can speak together. He says the language is healing and can be found within, it is just a matter of learning how to bring it out.

Voices from the Land is an Indigenous Languages Revitalization Project funded by Canadian Heritage. Over the course of the winter months of 2022, host Gordon Spence spoke with Indigenous language teachers, adult learners and parents and caretakers of children learning their Indigenous language. From Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe); to Nehiyaw (Cree); the Michif language; Kanien’kéha (Mohawk); Onʌyoteˀa·ká (Oneida); and Dȁn k’e (Southern Tutchone), language learners, teachers and parents across Turtle Island share their insights and experiences. The goal of these 21 interviews was to gain a sense of the barriers and successes to learning one’s own language. We invite you to hear their voices and learn from their truth, as the languages have taught them so much and they want to share.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 22 years. LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and impacts on 7 generations of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children, their families and communities from attending Residential and Day Schools and the subsequent Sixties Scoop. By fostering empathy and understanding, LHF encourages people to address discrimination and injustice and contributes to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

The LHF has more than 25 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curricula for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, and Podcasts all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, etc. in order to offer solutions on how to be an ally. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples.

For media inquiries:
Teresa Edwards, B.A. JD.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Phone: 613-237-4806 Ext. 303 info@legacyofhope.ca