Should all students learn First Nations languages? – CBC

June 28, 2015

Sure, Canadian students can learn their other official language at school. Knowing un peu de français might help a bilingual culture, but what about learning something closer to home– like a local First Nations language? That’s what kindergarten to grade 4 students in Prince Rupert, B.C. will do.

Starting in the fall, the city’s school district is taking a language program that it offered in some schools, and making it mandatory for all primary students. The program will teach simple lessons in Sm’algyax, through song and play.

Roberta Edzerza is the district’s Aboriginal Education Principal. She belongs to the Tsimshian First Nation, which speaks Sm’aylgyaz. She hopes the language program will enhance Prince Rupert’s culture, and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members of the community.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/the180/keeping-whales-in-captivity-lowering-speed-limits-and-u-s-style-political-fundraising-1.3126557/should-all-students-learn-first-nations-languages-1.3126614