Nehiyawe Cultural Institute

ᑖᓂᓯ? tânisi?

Formed in 2022, Nêhiyawê Cultural Institute’s (NCI) philosophy and vision of action embraces this objective: "To successfully pass on the nêhiyaw language and culture to our future generation of speakers of all ages by means of immersion."

Objectives of NCI in Edmonton:

Immersion language nests, K-12 immersion schooling, curriculum & resource deveolpment of nêhiyawêwin, Family & Adult Immersion, use of all media to promote & disseminate nêhiyawêwin, promote nêhiyaw culture and ceremony, support other immersion efforts.

NCI requires the purchase & maintenance of a building and a full-time staff to further promote nêhiyawêwin in Edmonton. Families and individuals from all over Treaty 6 & 8 territory and beyond come to Edmonton build a new life; currently the city has no immersion programs to maintain and support nêhiyaw culture and language nor the opportunity for families, individuals and children to learn nêhiyaw language and culture. NCI believes immersion is the best means to maintain language, studies have also shown that immersion helps to maintain, strengthen and revitalize language.

Although indigenous education is a treaty right, outside of federal lands, education is within the domains of provincial jurisdiction & becomes their authority. NCI believes that the TRC Calls to Action #14 must be honoured as stated in the Calls to Action: Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.

ii. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties.

iii. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation.

iv. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities.

We have the necessary resources & personnel to create all that NCI is envisioning, but to do that we may not receive the necessary funding from the federal government, therefore, we turn to private donors and organizations who would be willing to support NCI's vision.

You can also follow us on our wepage www.nehiyaweculturalinstitute.com for updates.

ay-hay ᐊᐩᐦᐊᐩ

Wayne Jackson

Director, Nehiyawe Cultural Institute