Language
Inuttitut UKâlalluta, ilinniatitsiluta, InosiKalluta! Nunatsiavut Language Strategy
Vision: Speak it. Teach it. Live it.
Mission: To restore Inuttitut within families and communities.
The 2021-2026 Language Strategy sets forth the vision, mission and values that, combined with the three strategic pillars that were identified at the 2019 Language Summit, provide a framework for prioritizing projects and investments into Language that align with the years of work and input gathered from Nunatsiavut Government and its beneficiaries. This strategy is a key piece in reigniting a spark in beneficiaries and within our division that will allow us to progress the state of Inuttitut within Nunatsiavut and beyond.
Goal
While many strategies have numerous goals, we have decided to focus on one overarching goal that has three pillars. Those pillars are then broken down into three goals with key objectives, initiatives and a proposed completion date. Our goal is as follows:
“By 2026, there will be an increase in Nunatsiavut beneficiaries confidently conversing in basic, intermediate and/or expert levels of Inuttitut. They will have an increased sense of comfort and confidence when speaking Inuttitut within homes, social circles, gatherings and public events.”
Pillars
From reviewing the research, previous conference reports and listening to the feedback during the Language Summit 2019 we have developed three significant pillars that will focus our work as we move forward. The three pillars are: transmission; revitalization; and engagement. Below are the definitions that we use to ensure we are focused and clear on the direction we are taking under each.
- Transmission: The passing of language between people through different ways: verbally, written, music and traditionally through traditional practices.
- Revitalization: Develop strategies, programs and resources to preserve, protect and revive our language while understanding the complexity of our language loss, recovery and maintenance.
- Engagement: To participate or become involved in language initiatives.
Transmission
Promoting an environment within communities to support self-learning at home.
Transmitting language through ways such as immersion on the land programs, classroom, online learning, resources, music, radio, Master Apprentice Programs etc.
Train and recruit Inuttitut teachers within Nunatsiavut.
Revitalization
Creating and implementing Language policies within the Nunatsiavut Government.
Creating and actively working on Language Strategy.
Communicate with communities and provide direction in language revitalization.
Engagement
Increasing number of beneficiaries participating in programming and services.
Increasing speaking language at work, home, etc.
Increasing community engagement in self-sufficient support.
Culture
Illusuak Culture Centre
The Illusuak Culture Centre is the gathering place that tells stories that make Labrador Inuit proud, by highlighting the long and strong Inuit history through architecture, design, and exhibits. Illusuak will bring people together to celebrate the culture and language of Labrador Inuit through interaction of community members, exhibits, programming and special events. It also houses the Café Illusuak and Craft shop. This beautiful space draws both local visitors and travelers who are then inspired to travel the rest of Nunatsiavut as well as the Torngat Mountains National Park.
Kajak Revival Project
The Kajak Revival Project is led by Noah Nochasak in Nain. This project aims to revive the valuable traditional skill of the Kajak. Projects such as building Kajait, Kajait lessons to community members of all ages, collecting interviews from Elders on traditional knowledge of Kajait use in Labrador, as well as information sharing on Kajait knowledge.
The Nanilavut Initiative
The Nanilavut Initiative is aimed at helping Inuit families find information on loved ones sent away during the tuberculosis epidemic of the 1940s to the 1960s. Nanilavut means “Let’s find them,” in Inuktitut. Cathy Ford in Makkovik is the led on the project and can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (709) 923-2341.