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Introduction
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Community is at the core of a language revitalization project like FirstVoices. Consultation and engagement are crucial for the project’s success and will uplift your practice work and your team throughout the work.
Even if you are from the same community that you are consulting with, there is much to consider and there also may be a different dynamic with you now working on a language project. There may also be different dynamics between different families or other groups or organizations within the community. There is much to consider.
Language can animate highlight things within us, both positive and negative. It can inspire and reconnect people, but it can also be traumatizing for some due to the ongoing prejudice and barriers to use using Indigenous languages and the legacy of residential schooling and day schooling. Discussions, decisions, and other unseen factors can be triggering for Elders and others with inherited trauma.
It will be important to walk gently in this work and to actively practice care and . Above all else, be thoughtful in your consultation.
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If you live in the community, this might be easier than if you are returning home or are from a different Nation or you are non-Indigenous. Certain terms that may be common in language revitalization work might have negative associations or be outdated. Some Elders might also recognize and use different words or names for concepts when identifying aspects of the language. Rather than correcting elders, it is often more productive to accept and adapt to the terminology that they are comfortable and familiar with.
For example, using very technical jargon like ‘morphosyntax’ and ‘enclitic’ compared to ending might cause more confusion or make someone feel self-conscious if they do not know this specialized vocabulary. This self-consciousness might deter folks from participating or as meaningfully engaging in discussions.
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If people are interested in these terms and learning more, consider holding a workshop or Q&A session or two and focus on demystifying linguistics and other words and themes. This type of action promotes an equitable exchange of knowledge or reciprocity. It also is a step in building capacity and lessens the chances for gatekeeping language knowledge. |
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The work you are doing is important and should be uplifted. Language work should also be done respectfully.
In taking the time to really think critically, prepare and prepare present questions and presentation, you practice this respect and show it to both the language and the community.
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However, boundaries are also important in your consultation. It is wise to not tread over the boundaries when consulting community and acknowledge them as appropriate for your own sake, too. In beginning your work as a team and consulting with community more frequently, consider forming an agreement for 'ways of working together' to ground and inform your practice. Beginning each community session with a prayer or other protocol also may help in this aspect to call people in and move forward together.
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It may be helpful to also consider establishing a network of resources available in your community that can further support when instances that surface lateral violence or reactive feelings. |
Some boundaries are established for you by the community, and some are ones that you need to make yourself. This will help you to not burnout or and keep yourself grounded. For example, taking on too much work or too many responsibilities compared to your capacity can be a breach of a personal boundary.
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Strong relationships do have boundaries, which can be constructed or adjusted as needed. If you or others feel that saying ‘no’ is not really option or that the work comes before personal or communal well-being, then it may be wise to re-evaluate the team’s and participants’ expectations, talk candidly about each other’s priorities, and reaffirm where there is agreement in the project before moving forward.
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When you submit an application to FirstVoices, we also ask you to provide details and some outline to commit to hosting a sharing event. Without this piece of the application, the project is not eligible.
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Note: in the Language Technology Program (LTP), if your only component is a Digitization project (DiGI) than a sharing event is not required through the application. However, we do encourage that you share your DiGI project in some way and the FPCC team can help brainstorm and support your planning and gathering. |
The intention of the community sharing event requirement is to ensure that your community is given the opportunity to learn about what you have accomplished and to celebrate your successes with you. This gives the community an opportunity to learn how to use FirstVoices and increases awareness of and interest in your project. If your project continues beyond this point, this event may be an opportunity for community members who are interested in contributing to step forward and become involved.
In planning your Community Sharing Event, take into consideration how the language project will be shared, including:
what information should be provided to the attendees;
what acknowledgements should be made and to whom;
if giveaways would increase attendance;
if there is a fun way to share links or information information (e.g. stickers or QR-codes);
if the venue is accessible for people who have mobility needs;
how much is budgeted for the location and accommodations;
and, does it make sense to invite special guests or individuals.
If you would like FPCC to help publicize your event as a public one, please get in touch with Kyra (kyra@fpcc.ca) or Ben (ben@fpcc.ca).
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Consultation is a long-term process and one may require planning. Working on your FirstVoices project, you should also feel free to reach out to the FPCC Language Coaches who assist communities with program planning through facilitating communication between groups, visioning, and capacity development.
They can help communities build up their language revitalization initiatives through strategic language planning and by providing access to FPCC tools and resources. The coaches also offer ongoing project support and guidance to all FPCC grant recipients.
As a result of COVID-19, the language coaches have adjusted their approach and can provide information about how to continue language revitalization work in a safe way during this time. FPCC coaches are available to connect virtually by phone, email, video chat, or other channels that work best for you.
To set up a virtual meeting, please contact us at: languagecoaches@fpcc.ca.
Language Technology Program Team
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Other resources that discuss planning and working with community members like Elders can be found below:
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