As many of the authors explored in this course have expressed, traditional language is an important piece of remaining connected to Indigenous heritage and culture. In Brandon, Manitoba, First Nations members teach weekly language classes at the local Friendship Centre as part of their Reclaim and Reconnect program for Sixties Scoop survivors. The languages include Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota and Michif. The classes are for all ages, so many generations are able to attend. Louise Erdrich speaks often of her feelings of disconnect, and desire to connect to her native language, Ojibwemowin. Her child, however, is exposed to Ojibwemowin from a young age and consistently as she grows. Erdrich recognizes the significance of this opportunity as her child is raised in a Western world with Indigenous values. The language has many connections to heritage for Erdrich. As she works to connect with her native language she finds it quite difficult, yet incredibly comforting to simply be around and listen to others who speak Ojibwemowin. While it can be difficult for an adult to learn an entire new language, the community being created through these classes in Brandon, Manitoba is empowering as well as comforting in an attempt to decolonize the classroom.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/indigenous-language-classes-brandon-1.6649945