Pîkiskwê

The first word a child utters defines who they are, where they have come from, and the culture they are born into. Nêhiyawêwin is the language spoken by the Nêhiyawak (Cree) people, the largest Indigenous group in Canada

For generations, Nêhiyawak culture and traditions have been deeply interwoven with its language, which has struggled to survive due to the impacts of colonization. 

Meaningfully and purposefully practicing language is important to combating cultural erasure and revitalizing traditions and identity. That is why a determined group of Indigenous students, their families and fluent speakers are coming together to form the Conversational Nêhiyawêwin (Cree) Kinship Circle. Classes will be hosted monthly throughout 2026 at the Sacred Heart School in Regina, Saskatchewan, as well as on the land for select activities. Participants will learn Nêhiyawêwin words, phrases, and sentences through songs, drumming, dancing, and interactive activities supported by audio and visual resources. The Kinship Circle’s intergenerational, family-based approach to language learning allows participants to reconnect with their heritage while building confidence, cultural pride, and unity in the home. It is a path to healing intergenerational trauma and forming new connections with Indigenous worldviews. 

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to provide funding to the Kinship Circle to ensure it has the financial support to retain momentum and continue running during summer break. The IRF recognizes that truly learning a language is a lifetime commitment and intention, which is why its contribution will ensure the Kinship Circle is available year-round. Ongoing evaluation of language learning and retention will take place throughout the year, with formal reviews in June and December 2026.

Archdiocese of Regina