Faculty of Education and Tsuut’ina partner to preserve language

Teaching and Learning for the Tsuut'ina Language and Culture program launched.

January 13, 2011 - One week ago, representatives from the Faculty of Education and the Tsuut’ina Nation met to launch the Tsuut’ina Specific Teachers Training program.

With a mere 50 speakers fluent in the Tsuut’ina language today, it is one of many indigenous languages on the verge of extinction.  This program is an important step in preserving the Tsuut’ina language and, by extension, the Tsuut’ina culture.

"The Tsuut'ina language, like many Indigenous languages, is at risk of disappearing," explains Sharon Friesen, associate dean of the Office of Professional and Community Engagement. "With that disappearance, a wealth of knowledge about history, culture and the natural environment is potentially lost forever. This certificate program is focused on bringing a people together to ensure their language and culture do not disappear."

After a pipe ceremony held by Tsuut’ina elders, Emil Starlight of the Tsuut’ina Gunaha Institute, David Yu of the Tssuut’ina Education Board and Sharon Friesen signed the Acknowledgement of Partnership.

Housed in the Faculty of Education's PACE office, the courses within the Teaching and Learning for the Tsuut'ina Language and Culture program will begin this fall.

For more information on Teaching and Learning for Tsuut'ina Language and Culture and the other programs and courses offered by PACE, click here.