Pictured above is Linda Anderson who represented the Indigenous Languages of Manitoba Inc. at the Honouring our Languages Conference.

Indigenous language speakers, advocates and learners came together to celebrate, honor languages and share best practices in Winnipeg at the 5th Annual Honouring Our Languages conference in October.

The conference is organized by Indigenous Languages of Manitoba Inc., a not-for-profit charitable organization that advocates for the preservation, retention, promotion and revitalization of Indigenous languages in Manitoba.

Participants had the opportunity to share knowledge, gain practical skills, and support language development, while also supporting remarkable grassroots efforts through a variety of workshops highlighting topics such as culture, family, traditions and more.

A large number of facilitators, each with their own unique style and knowledge base, shared their experiences and methodologies with the participants, who came from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario as well as Minnesota. The workshops included subjects such as land-based education, traditional knowledge, ceremonies, language, culture, justice, health and wellness. 

“We are all working towards the revitalization and use of our languages, as well as the promotion of our cultures, and each step we take working together helps to lay a solid path for success as Indigenous people for future generations,” says Executive Director Melanie Kennedy.

The North West Company was happy to sponsor this conference by making a $500 contribution.