The DTES Adult Literacy Roundtable also had a table where people were invited to share or write down any words they knew from a First Nations language. For example, people shared that the word for ‘Hello’ is Tansi in Cree, Yo in Kwak’wala, Hy-dey in Carrier, and Chok-Maha in one dialect of Coast Salish. Others shared that ‘Thank-you’ is Miiguich in Ojibway and Howa in Haida Gwaii.
Besides words, people also exchanged cultural stories, reflected on who had taught them their First Nations language (e.g. parents, grandparents), and talked about why they no longer speak their cultural language (e.g. residential schools, lack of people to practice with). The issue of various dialects within a First Nations language, as well as the non-written element of so many First Nations languages, was also discussed.
At the same time, people were invited to contribute to a community map about where First Nations sharing (such as language, culture, music, dance) is happening in the DTES community. Some of the information shared included Cree language learning at Oppenheimer Park and Haida language learning at the Friendship Centre.
