Awakening Our Language

Important conversations around revitalizing Indigenous languages are taking place in English, exemplifying the problem at hand.

As Elders and Knowledge Keepers grow older and the number of fluent Indigenous language speakers dwindles, it has become more critical to offer immersive and language-first approaches to save traditional dialects.

Since 2022, the “Y” dialect speakers of Plains Cree have taken an innovative approach with the pimācīhitatān nēhiyawēwin: Keep Our Language Alive Conference, held in Dakota Dunes. One of the largest conferences held primarily in an Indigenous language, the YXE Cree Speakers Society brings together Plains Cree speakers, teachers, community leaders and policy makers to reinvigorate Indigenous language development. By focusing on a specific dialect instead of the overarching language, greater impacts and successful language restoration is being achieved.  

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to support this unique conference in 2025, as part of a larger journey to reclaim Indigenous languages. This year, pimācīhitatān nēhiyawēwin will focus on one goal: to keep the language alive. As the conference grows in size and impact, more communities and families will be able to benefit, immersing themselves in traditional language in ways many had not thought possible following the devastating cultural impacts of colonialism. 

Founded in 2021, the YXE Cree Speakers Society has grown rapidly and has partnered with impactful organizations like MGT Consulting and First Nation-owned charities to make this conference a success. This is largely in thanks to the efforts of volunteers who have dedicated countless hours and passionate efforts to plan, organize and provide on-site support to make pimācīhitatān nēhiyawēwin possible. 

Diocese of Saskatoon