Empowering Communities to Resist and Revitalize at ELP

By Jackie Dormer, 2nd year MDP student

This summer, I have been working at the Endangered Languages Project (ELP) as a Summer Intern. ELP is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on supporting the revitalization of Indigenous and endangered languages around the world through resource development, mentorship, training and learning opportunities, and advocacy.

One of the projects I am currently working on is an organizational growth resource for grassroots organizations involved in language revitalization. This is something that community members have expressed a need for, and something that resonated with me, as someone who co-organizes a community-based collective. This resource includes information about how organizations can engage in strategic planning, how and when to incorporate their organization as a non-profit, and where to find and how to apply for funding. It provides insights into data sovereignty and using technology responsibly, as well as how to build community in a good way. It also highlights some things to look out for and avoid, like predatory funders, mission drift, and vaguely worded MOUs.

ELP has also just released a response to a recent article published by The New Yorker entitled “Sometimes It’s O.K. to Let a Language Die.” The article was highly disappointing as the author perpetuates many harmful colonial narratives about languages and argues that some languages aren't worth revitalizing. Being able to contribute to this response was empowering, as it is often difficult to take the time and energy to respond to these types of publications. With ELP’s directors Amanda and Anna leading this response, along with the ELP staff contributing, I am reminded that there is power in our resistance and our collective voices, especially considering the massive public response and support we’ve received. 

Working with a team of people with such diverse backgrounds and skillsets who all share a common passion for language revitalization has been so rewarding and inspiring. I'm excited to continue contributing in a contract role throughout the remainder of the 2026–27 fiscal year and to keep building on everything I've learned.

Anna Belew, Executive Director (Top) and Jackie Dormer (Below)

Métis Language Revitalization at Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle

By Jackie Dormer, 1^st year MDP student

Taanshi Kiyawaaw! Hello, everyone! My name is Jackie Dormer, and I am completing my first-year field placement with Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle (P2W). P2W is a non-profit grassroots community organization that focuses on revitalizing Southern Michif and other languages spoken by Métis people and their kin. It was co-founded by language activist and learner-teacher Heather Souter, and Elders and mother-tongue speakers Verna DeMontigny and Gail Welburn. P2W believes in the importance of community building and creating contexts where languages can thrive.  

P2W’s work includes programming such as Mentor-Apprentice programs, Southern Michif community classes, an online self-paced introductory Southern Michif course, as well as print and digital resources, including a brand-new app, Southern Michif for Learners. You can learn more about the organization and their work here: https://michif.org and https://www.southernmichif.org.

My role at P2W includes general administrative support for day-to-day operations as well as programming support for weekly community languages classes. I have also been involved in the development and writing of a chapter on Métis language policy and the development of a presentation that will be given at the WAVES 2025: Global Indigenous Languages Summit in Ottawa.

During my placement, I also had the opportunity to visit Camperville, where Heather Souter (P2W co-founder and director) is located. Heather kindly hosted me, and in between drafting papers and teaching community classes, we found time to go berry picking and tend to the garden. My time in Camperville was a reminder of the importance of spending time with the land as well as learning language in context. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and all that I have learned. 

 

Naawi-Oodena Project

 By Alex Cote, 2nd year MDP student 

Kwey! Aniin Boozhoo! Tanisi! Hello! Bonjour!

Nindizhinikaaz Alex, ningigoo ojibwemong zoongigondaagan. Gaawiin ningikenimaasii nindoodem. Nindoonjibaa dimiitigweyaa. Nindaa Gaa-okosing. 

Hello, my name is Alex. I was given the name Strong Voice, I am originally from Deep River, Ontario, but I am currently a visitor to Treaty 1 in Winnipeg. I have been given the privilege to introduce my current placement opportunity to you all! So without further ado, I have been working on the Naawi-Oodena Language initiative alongside two other research assistants and supervisor: Dr. Lorena Fontaine and Dr. Hugh Grant. 

The project explores the potential for the University of Winnipeg to develop a working relationship with Treaty One Development Corporation through the delivery of credit and non-credit Indigenous language courses on-site at Naawi-Oodena. Revitalizing Indigenous languages is a crucial driver towards reconciliation with the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. Unfortunately, in Canada, Indigenous languages face extinction while facing a crisis shortage of Indigenous language teachers. This proposal seeks to answer this crisis while paying close attention to the TRC’s Call to Action, language speakers, and community members.