The Office of the Treaty Commissioner congratulates the nêhiyawak Language Experience (nLe) for receiving the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

“The nêhiyawak Language Experience is so deserving of this recognition. For 20 years, they have been leaders in language revitalization, in terms of connecting language learning with being in relationship with the land,” said the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker.

“The Sturgeon Lake First Nations leaders, Elders and communities have supported the land-based language learning camps of nLe and should be commended as well. Language is more than words; it contains a way of life and learning your language also contributes to your Treaty learning journey.”

The program was founded in Sturgeon Lake, to offer language experience and education through workshops, lectures and community projects, including the Sturgeon Lake Multifaceted Language Revitalization Project. The summer offerings often become family-orientated events. Children are cared for and learn in a play-based environment while adults take part in teacher-hosted opportunities.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created to recognize outstanding achievement, innovation and excellence in literacy in each of Canada's provinces and territories.

The Commissioner attended the award ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 25, to congratulate co-founder and assistant professor at the University of Victoria, Belinda Daniels, and nLe language teacher Randy Morin, assistant professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.