Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Six Nations Language Commission Extends Gratitude to Grand River Enterprises for their Generous Support to Indigenous Language Revitalization Efforts
[Ohsweken, March 31, 2024] — The Six Nations Language Commission (SNLC) is pleased to acknowledge Grand River Enterprises (GRE) for their generous and ongoing commitment to Indigenous language revitalization efforts at Six Nations of the Grand River. In recognition of National Indigenous Languages Day, GRE has announced a $250,000 donation to the Six Nations Language Commission, bringing GRE’s total contribution to language revitalization to nearly 1 million dollars since 2021.
“GRE is proud to continue our support of Indigenous languages,” said Steve Williams, President of Grand River Enterprises. “We think language is very important for the community and for youth in the community. We hope our contribution will help our people have more language learning opportunities in the future.”
“Community support for language revitalization is critical,” said Amos Keye Jr, Vice-Chair of the Six Nations Language Commission Board. “There are many ways community members and community businesses can support this important work. I applaud GRE for their significant contributions and would welcome any other businesses who would like to offer their support as well to come forward and talk with us.”
Karen Sandy, Coordinator of the Six Nations Language Commission, emphasized the critical role of stable funding in sustaining language revitalization efforts. “Over the last ten years we have focussed heavily on adult immersion language programming. Research has confirmed time and time again that adult immersion is the most impactful way to create speakers and help people develop language capacity. We’ve also heard from community that we need a variety of resources, programs and pathways for different levels of learning readiness. This funding will help us respond to both needs, and create more stability for the adult immersion programs we support.”
BACKGROUND:
March 31st has been celebrated as National Indigenous Languages Day on Turtle Island (Canada) since 1993.
The Six Nations Language Commission currently supports two adult immersion programs at Six Nations of the Grand River and is committed to developing resources and supports for all six languages with their many community collaborators.
All six Haudenosaunee languages are considered to be critically endangered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Contact: Karen Sandy, Coordinator, Six Nations Language Commission
karen@snlanguagecommission.com
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