Lighting the Fire Registration Online

The United Nations declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages* in appreciation for the rich contribution languages make to world-wide cultural diversity.

Languages play a critical role in our lives, not only as a tool for communication, education, social integration, and development, but as a source for each person’s unique identity, cultural history, traditions, and memory. Despite their fundamental value, languages around the world disappear at an alarming rate.

First Nations languages are the foundation of Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, and Ojibwe-Cree cultures and frame First Nations practices and teachings. Languages are the strength of each nation in an ever-changing global village and technological landscape.

This year’s Lighting the Fire Conference (LTF) will highlight First Nations languages of Manitoba and the richness that comes through reclamation. Our workshop lineup will focus on language and culture, exploring the innovative strategies and solutions of schools and communities to ensure the ongoing practice of language reclamation.

MFNERC applauds the accomplishments of Manitoba’s First Nations-operated schools in the areas of language and culture. Such work reflects the MFNERC Mission:

To help First Nations improve education for all learners to achieve: mino-pimatisiwin (Cree/Ojibwe/Ojibwe-Cree);

honso aynai (Dene);

and tokatakiya wichoni washte (Dakota).

As MFNERC enters its 20th year, we celebrate First Nations language—the foundation for all generations.