Mi'kmaw language and drumming classes welcome all Islanders who want to learn

The Native Council of Prince Edward Island is expanding its Mi’kmaw language and drumming program, with plans for online classes open to anyone interested in learning.

Mi'kmaw language and drumming classes welcome all Islanders who want to learn ‘Without the language, you start to lose your culture’ The Native Council of Prince Edward Island is expanding its Mi’kmaw language and drumming program, with plans for online classes open to anyone interested in learning. Right now, the organization offers in-person language and drumming classes in Charlottetown, St. Peter’s and Portage.

For knowledge keeper and teacher Stephenson Joe, originally from Esgenoôpetitj First Nation in New Brunswick, the work is personal. “It’s an honour, and it’s a privilege,” said Joe, who spoke only Mi'kmaw at home growing up. “I have a passion for trying to preserve our language, because my elders have taught me that without the language, you start to lose your culture, and you’re not able to understand your elders.”

Islanders take to Charlottetown waterfront for National Indigenous Peoples Day Cultural classes aim to make Mi'kmaw language thrive on P.E.I. The classes are not limited to Indigenous participants. He said everyone is welcome, whether they join in person or online.

“Come and learn and share, and that’s part of truth and reconciliation as well, right? Sharing of information, like culture, is always shared and welcome people,” Joe said. The program began about seven years ago with a simple 12-page manual.

Since then, it has grown into a more than 150-page learning guide, with a flash drive that students can use to follow along. “We have some students that are a little more advanced, and we have some that are new, so it’s a balancing act,” he said. “Sometimes you bring in the basics, and then you bring some stronger conversational stuff for the more advanced students.”

By the time they complete the classes, some students can carry on conversations in Mi’kmaw. “I try to stay humble, but to know that you’ve been a part of their progress and advancement, it does have a rewarding feeling.” Language and drumming go hand in hand The program combines language with traditional drumming, something Joe has practiced since he was eight years old.

“Language and drum has always gone hand in hand ... Some languages flow, and the Mi’kmaw language is almost like a drumbeat with the ... syllables,” Joe said. He also teaches using the Francis-Smith orthography — a standardized system for writing in Mi'kmaw created in the 1970s — to help learners read and pronounce new words and phrases.

The council previously offered online classes, but those stopped when the teacher moved away last year. “When we get another teacher, we have our classes up and running again, and we’re just going to pick up where we left off,” he said. Joe is also working with a co-ordinator and a newly hired curriculum-writing specialist to develop a comprehensive curriculum.

The long-term goal is to create a program that can continue for future generations and potentially expand learning opportunities in schools. His work preserving and teaching the Mi'kmaw language was recently recognized with the Boyde Beck Memorial Award. Islanders interested in the classes can find more information through the Native Council of Prince Edward Island's website and social media channels.

With files from Island Morning