(Ottawa, ON) – October 5, 2022 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is pleased to announce the release of episode 6 with Aaliyah O’Watch. Aaliyah is an adult language learner of the Cree language and has plans to one day become a Cree language teacher. Currently studying at the University of Saskatchewan, Aaliyah has ties to both Nakoda and Cree First Nations. Aaliyah did not grow up speaking the Cree language, and says she only first heard a fluent speaker at the age of 19 while studying at the University of Regina.

Aaliyah’s drive to become a Cree language teacher can be felt in this interview. She has a listening ear and has sought out opportunities to become a fluent speaker, though access can be difficult. One of the biggest barriers Aaliyah identifies in her language learning experience is being able to hear what a fluent speaker sounds like. Identifying that there are a lot of new learners but a lack of fluent speakers, is a common barrier to fluency. In this interview you will hear Aaliyah share an extensive list of language learning methods and strategies, the details of her journey in becoming a language teacher, and above all, her care and esteem for the Cree language. Aaliyah shares: “Tânisi niwâhkômâkanak, Our languages are like the nipiy (water). They could flow forever if we destroy the dams that tried to stop them from flowing. It is important for this generation to reclaim what was lost and to secure it for our kids, our grandkids, and beyond.”

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.