Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Ep 8: The Power of Indigenous Languages with Dr. Lorna Williams
Ep 8: The Power of Indigenous Languages with Dr. Lorna Williams
Ep 8: The Power of Indigenous Languages with Dr. Lorna Williams
Friday 8th July 2022
Join Dr. Lorna Williams on 'Mino Bimaadiziwin' as she explores the crucial link between Indigenous languages and wellness.
39 minutes
Transformative
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Authentic
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Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Holistic Health Innovations
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Get the buttons here!Healing Through Words: Dr. Lorna Williams on Indigenous Languages
Because language is so powerful, such a powerful force in a person's life, that when the colonizers take over, one of the things that they do is to destroy language.
Language isn't just about communication; it's a bridge to our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. In this episode of 'Mino Bimaadiziwin', host Sherry welcomes Dr. Lorna Williams, a passionate advocate for Indigenous languages. Dr. Williams, from the Lil’wat First Nation, has dedicated over 50 years to education and language preservation, earning the Order of Canada for her efforts.
As a survivor of Residential Schools, she brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation, highlighting how colonization sought to erase Indigenous languages and, with them, a vital part of cultural identity. Dr. Williams shares her journey from grassroots initiatives to national programs, emphasizing the critical role of language in Indigenous health. She explains that language is as essential to wellness as healthcare, housing, and education.
Through her work at the University of Victoria, where she developed undergraduate and graduate programs in Indigenous languages, Dr. Williams has made significant strides in language revitalization. The episode delves into stories of communities rediscovering their languages and the profound impact this has on cultural practices and ceremonies. Dr. Williams underscores the importance of involving young people in these efforts, as they are the future keepers of these languages.
She also touches on the Indigenous Languages Act and its role in supporting these initiatives. Listeners will find inspiration in Dr. Williams' unwavering commitment to preserving Indigenous languages and the powerful connection between language and identity. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for all who wish to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages and, by extension, the well-being of Indigenous communities.