Kekhimin language school launches documentary [video]

A new short documentary showcases the work of Wolastoqey immersion school founder Lisa Perley-Dutcher and her collaborators. 

The learning centre, Kekhimin Immersion School, is an ambitious land-based education project which is centred around revitalising the Wolastoqey language. This language is endangered because it has fewer than 500 native speakers, according to the last Canadian census information. Most native speakers are over the age of 65.

A former nurse and educator, Lisa Perley-Dutcher came up with the idea and found collaborators. She then crowdfunded, negotiated a space for the school at the Killarney Lake Lodge near Sitansisk (Saint Mary’s Reservation), and was able to open the school in fall of 2022. 

Directed by Desmond Simon, the short documentary, titled Kehkimin (Teach Me), features some of the community volunteers that are helping shape the young children enrolled in the first class in fall 2022.  These include Wolastoqey Elder Maggie Paul and Roseanne Clark, a native speaker who is also assisting Perley-Dutcher with curriculum development.

The beautiful video was produced by the Common Ground Project, a partnership between Community Forests International, the Ulnooweg Development Group and the Nova Scotia Family Forest Network.

You can support the Kehkimin Immersion School with a donation via GoFundMe.

Sophie M. Lavoie is a member of the NB Media Co-op’s editorial board.