Anishinaabe
The Anishnaabe language in Alberta derives from the Ojibwa people, of whom, many come from Eastern Canada and the United States. This language is from the Algoquian family language and speakers of different dialects of this language range from Eastern North America to the Rocky Mountains in the West (Wikikiwand, 2020). In Alberta, the language can also be referred to as Saulteaux. The language in Alberta is spoken in two neighbouring communities near the Rocky Mountains, O’Chiese First Nation and Sunchild First Nation.
The Anishnaabe language in Alberta is a different dialect from the others in Turtle Island so conservation efforts are currently underway to safeguard and revitalize this language. While there are limited resources on the language (in Alberta), the Department Coordinator of Indigenous Languages at Yellowhead Tribal College, Doreen Daychief works to preserve and teach new generations. She currently works at creating and teaching the language and includes stories and Anishnaabe culture. In particular, she begins with teaching the creation story, in which the language was given to us by the Creator. In the beginning of time, the earth, animals and living things were created, but then a great flood was brought upon, and left Wiisahkachak and animals floating on a log. At this time, the Creator gave the ‘gift of speech’ and talked to the animals and said “I am going to create a human being, I need you to take care of him”. And going forward, the relationship between animals, language and the Anishnaabe began (Daychief, 2020). Animals are very important to their culture.
Creation Story
Please watch the videos below
Ningwakewe, (2011)
Turtle Song
O’Chiese First Nation
Sunchild First Nation