Research
SILR is committed to sharing and disseminating our findings widely, thereby enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of language revitalization efforts. This sharing of knowledge not only supports current initiatives but also serves as a beacon for future endeavours, illuminating the path toward a richer, more vibrant linguistic heritage.
The Searching Team
The Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization project is led by the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Programming and Research, University of Alberta.
With guidance from the SILR Advisory Council, the research team transcended the research process from a standard systematic literature review to a searching process based on orality to foster a fundamental element in speaking one’s own Ancestral language(s).
Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper suggested not using the word ‘research’ because of the many past and recurring negative experiences of Indigenous peoples with research and to more accurately reflect that we are taking part in a searching process, not re-searching.
Systematic Literature Review
In January of 2021, the Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization (SILR) research team was formed to carry out a systematic literature review designed to ask:
“What is the relationship for Indigenous people in Canada between the knowledge and use of their traditional languages and their individual and communal well-being?”
In January 2021, the Research Team was formally established and asked to conduct a systematic literature review (Gough & Thomas, 2016).
Research Question
What is the relationship for Indigenous peoples in Canada between the knowledge and use of their traditional languages and their individual and communal well-being?
Findings
Preliminary findings illustrated a significant gap in the literature. The research team decided to continue the systemic literature review and conduct an Indigenous research study to be able to more fully answer the original research question.
Searching Process
In addition to the systematic literature review, the Searching team was tasked with learning about the ways in which knowing and speaking one’s Ancestral Language(s) fosters wellbeing (mind, body, spirit, and emotions).
At the beginning of our searching journey, the team was advised not to use Roman Orthography or written text. Reflecting upon this guidance, we decided to use visuals and orature throughout our searching process to document and understand what was shared during each visiting with an Ancestral Language Keeper. These practices provided a more authentic way of documenting the findings that are shared in the pictograph and findings video. In total, we had the honour of visiting with twenty-three Ancestral Language Keepers. Each of their Ancestral Languages (Nehiyawewin, Michif, Dene Tha’, Anishnaabe) are represented in the pictograph and video.
The visual presentation of the findings as a pictograph and video intentionally moves the findings away from a predefined list and instead invites each viewer on a journey of searching and reflection that is not determinative nor prescriptive. This is important because this is about a lifelong process that does not have a particular answer, path or destination.
Overall, our hope is that the pictograph, findings video, and visiting videos are shared widely and invite Indigenous youth, adults and Elders on a journey of connecting with and learning their Ancestral Language(s). By connecting with one’s Ancestral Language(s), a path is opened to a lifelong journey of learning, practicing and experiencing a good life (well-being – mind, body, spirit and emotions) that is interconnected with the land, ceremony, all our relations and a continual praxis of agency.
Please submit a request for access to the FINDINGS VIDEO. As per the directives provided by the searching participants, who are also the data owners, if you or your organization identify with one or more of the following, you will be given access to the findings video: Ancestral Language Learner, Indigenous Organization, School with Indigenous Students, Ancestral Language Instructor.
Use of the phrase ‘Ancestral Languages’
The phrase ‘Ancestral language(s)’ is used instead of ‘traditional languages’ or ‘Indigenous languages’ to encompasses the deeper meaning of the connection of the languages spoken on the Great Turtle Island since time immemorial.
Enhanced Research Question
A research ethics application was submitted and approved for a study using Indigenous methodologies and paradigm with a revised research question, asking: In what ways does knowledge and use of Ancestral language(s) foster individual and community well-being (body, mind, emotion, and spirit)?
Visitings
Initial visitings (Gaudet, 2019) were carried out with the SILR Advisory Council members, followed by additional visitings with individuals recommended by the initial participants. In total, 23 visitings were conducted.
Indigenous Methodology: Rising Above Colonialism
Artwork
The process evolved to include an Indigenous methodology with the use of artwork. After every visiting, an art sketch was designed by the team members that encompassed key learnings, phrases, and themes.
It was decided to have a pictograph created for the preliminary findings. Through a series of drafting sessions with an Indigenous graphic artist, a pictograph (above) was created.
No English Words
During the early stages of the searching process, Elder Elmer Ghostkeeper asked the research team not to use English words or Roman Orthography to articulate the findings as the searching inquiry was based on conceptions of Ancestral languages, not the English language.
Data Sovereignty
Data Sovereignty Declaration and Care Taking Directives were developed using a generational lens to protect Indigenous research participants and the information that they shared during the searching process. We will be sharing more about this in the near future.
Knowledge Sharing
As Dr. Glanfield notes, "None of this research is valuable unless the communities can use it" (April 30, 2024).
As a small way to give back and say thank you, we professionally edited and polished each visiting so that every participant had a copy of their visiting for their own personal use. We also created a licensing agreement with various Indigenous musicians to ensure that Ancestral languages from the participants’ land were included in each recording through songs.
Visiting
Visiting is an Indigenous method that was part of our searching process in order to disrupt the typical interview format, i.e. question/answer in public places, used in qualitative research by prioritizing places and times that are most comfortable for each of the participants (Gaudet, 2019). Select one of the links below to watch the full videos from three of the research participants’ visitings.
Elder Elmer Ghostkeeper
July 15, 2024
Molly Chisaakay
September 10, 2024
Sharlene Alook
July 15, 2024
