Inapēyabi (Language)

Isga I?abi (Stoney Language)

Importance of Stoney Language Revitalization

Isga I?abi is a vital component of cultural identity and heritage for the Alexis People. Revitalizing our Stoney language is essential not only for preserving cultural practices but also for fostering intergenerational connections and protecting Treaty.

Language Revival Efforts

The Stoney language is a gift to the Stoney people from the Creator. It embodies all that is fundamental to the identity of a Stoney. Historically, the elders passed this gift on to the younger generations. It took a lifetime to share their knowledge of the language and culture. Today, we live in a fast-paced technological age where we get our information from the media and the internet instantaneously; less time is spent with our elders and the traditional means of passing on the language and culture is not as effective as it once was.

I'sga I?abi recognizes the invaluable resource we have in our elders and the limited amount of time available to use this resource. Therefore, elders will play a significant role in teaching the Stoney language and culture in the school.

Stoney Language education is being taught at:

1. Wakamne Elementary School
2. Chief Aranazhi Jr & Sr Highschool
3. Yellowhead Tribal College.

The primary approach to reviving the language has been to teach the Stoney language at the community school. In the early 1990’s Alexis Board of Education in partnership with the Government of Alberta and Alberta Learning, began developing K-12 Curriculum. Highschool students are now able to receive credits for their studies.

In 2014, Alexis Heritage & Language in Partnership with Yellowhead Tribal College developed the post-secondary 100, 200 & 300 level courses. (Our 300-level course is land based. We are still waiting for students to apply at YTC to take this.)

Ish?awmin (Elder) Recommendations for Language Revitalization

In 2024, Heritage & Language gathered the elders to do language planning. From this gathering, the elders recommended the following activities for language revitalization:

1. Community Engagement: Creating maps of local areas in Stoney, organizing community events, and encouraging families to engage in language practices together.
2. Educational Tools and Resources: Elders highlighted the importance of educational resources such as flashcards, workbooks, and dictionaries. These tools can facilitate learning and help families incorporate Stoney into their daily lives. Additionally, the idea of labeling household items in Stoney was proposed to reinforce vocabulary.
3. Family Involvement and Activities: Family involvement is crucial for language acquisition. Activities such as singing Stoney songs, attending gatherings, and engaging in storytelling were recommended. Elder noted that involving children in these activities fosters a sense of pride in their heritage.
4. Personal Commitment and Consistency: A personal commitment to speaking Stoney at home was emphasized. Elders suggested setting aside time each day for language practice, starting with simple.