‘We’re still here, and we will always be here’: Mi’kmaq language program fosters pride [video]

A new initiative is helping parents and other community members in Elsipogtog to understand what their children are learning in Mi’kmaq immersion classes in school. The first-ever Mi’kmaq language and culture camp for adults took place this summer at Elsipogtog School.

Krystal Francis is in charge of the program and Donna Augustine is the supporting Elder. They recently sat down with the NB Media Co-op to speak about the program in a conversation that delved deep into language, history, and cultural identity.

Belle Huston is a student at St. Thomas University and member of Elsipogtog First Nation. This report was produced as part of media production workshops hosted by the NB Media Co-op.

Video credits: Interview and photos by Belle Huston; Wowkwis Augustine assisted with camera work; Trisha Augustine, Lance Francis, Lisha Francis, Charles Francis, Manuel Simon, and Jolene Sock provided additional support; production and editing by David Gordon Koch.

This project has been made possible in part by the Local Journalism Initiative. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada. Thank you to St. Thomas University’s Aotiitj program for providing access to the classroom at the Elsipogtog Community Service Centre.