Blessings of Wilderness Life

I think of my children and my nephews and nieces and I want so much for them to grow up how we were raised by my parents.  The reason for this is because it was a blessing for me growing up in the wilderness and being part of nature.  You learn a lot of lessons in life.  For instance, patience, respect, hardwork, love, kindness, pride, humility, appreciation, knowledge, and happiness.  These are the main ones that I can think of and this is what I want for my children and of course other children.  I am including some pictures of my children growing up at the cabin.  We have been taking them ever since they were babies, but I do not have access to those pictures to include in my blog.

Happy Aboriginal Day!!

Today is the day that all First Nations people should celebrate their identity and pride.  You should be proud of your heritage and all of the sacrifices that our ancestors have made to get us where we are today.  Get educated and let's keep our traditions going.  I am including a fireworks show to celebrate this day.  I hope you enjoy.

Manitoba Native Studies Curriculum

I have provided a link to the Manitoba Native Studies Curriculum for the Cree Language Teachers who need some ideas on what to teach.  I found this to be a helpful tool, so go ahead and browse if you haven't yet.

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/abedu/abdocs/K-4_framework.pdf

Cree Language Storybook

This is another example of how we could use the internet and computer to share the gift of language and culture to everyone who wants to learn.  The message that I want to send to all the Cree language educators is to learn about technology, because children will enjoy the interactive materials that they can use on the computer.  Here is another example of how technology can be used to teach and this is a Cree Language Storybook.

Cree Syllabics

I use Cree syllabics to teach the sounds in Cree.  I have found a syllabic font that I can use to type out syllabics on the computer and it is called Ma ko ni kun.  I can only use it on my old laptop and I have to find a way to take it out of there to transfer it to my new laptop.  I do not know how to do this yet, so if there is anyone out there who can give me advice.  Please write your expertise in my blog. 

The basic sounds in Cree are in the syllabics and they are:
e- as in egg
i- as in pig
o-as in foot
u-as in pug
a-as in apple

Just add the consonants sounds with these vowels sounds.
These are some examples I could give you:    u tim  (dog),  mo swu (moose),  mi sit (foot), u li ko chas (squirrel)

I have included a picture of a syllabic chart for you to look at.

Cree Language Children's Story

Technology is fast taking over our world and what a better way to use it to teach language.  Learning about computers and technology is important to learn as this is the way children and students are beginning to learn.  It is a useful and purposeful way to reach our children.  It is also useful for adults who have lost their language and are trying to gain it back. I have found this story on the internet and it is an excellent example of how we can use technology to reach millions of potential learners.

Nine Year Old Playing The Drum

I found this on you tube and you have to listen to this boy.  He is amazing and it brought a smile to my face and my head bobbing.  This makes me proud to see children being taught the way of their ancestors and my message is to keep it coming.

Cree Language Music

I am glad that there are Aboriginal artists who are putting their language into music.  The kids love this song because it has a good beat.  They can actually sing to it if they hear it often enough.  My son loves this song and why don't you have a listen and enjoy the pictures that accompany the song. It is Carl Quinn's song titled Nipin.

Continuing the Tradition

Well this cabin was my late grandpa Andrew Beardy's cabin and I remember going there as a little girl.  I am very fortunate to have been exposed to the culture and traditions.  The people in the picture is my immediate family and I am so glad to have them share in my experiences.

Save Our Language

I have been teaching Cree for a number of years now and I discovered that our Cree language needs to be revitalized.  In my community of Split Lake I do not hear any teenagers or children speaking the language any more.  This is a big concern for me, because without our language there is missing identity.  Language transfers how a person behaves in their particular group.  Cree people are very respectful and proud people and without language and culture the children are not being taught all the Cree values and respect.  They will have a hard time being proud of who they are and where they came from.  I believe this is why the children are so troubled.  Children need strong upbringing and guidance to become productive people.  In our communities of long ago, everyone raised the children to be respectful and proud.  I respect people who contribute to the cultural survival of our First Nation's people.  All the power to them and I hope they continue to do this work and give them the strength to continue.  I know from experience that it does require a lot of time, effort and strength to keep going. 

This is one of my heroes, Chief Dan George.

Maybe my fellow followers can add a comment or post a picture of their heroes who work tiredlessly trying to keep our culture alive.