Presenters & Speakers from the 2017 & 2018 language planning sessions

Keynote Speakers

Keynote Presenter – Kaia’titáhkhe Annette Jacobs

Kaia’titáhkhe’s passion for Kanien’kéha has always been apparent through her many years as a teacher, curriculum writer, principal, researcher, a McGill University adjunct professor, and much more behind the scenes work to strengthen our language. Her knowledge of language revitalization in Kahnawà:ke is rooted in first-hand experiences, overcoming many challenges and finding much laughter and camaraderie along the way. We acknowledge her for her dedication and love of the language, as well as for her continuous work to ensure our language will be everlasting.

Keynote Presenter – Karihwénhawe Dorthy Lazore

Karihwénhawe has been leading the cause of language revitalization in our nation for many, many years. She was one of our first elementary immersion teachers here in Kahnawà:ke, and led Kanien’kehá:ka communities in developing the Kanien’kéha Language Standardization Project . She was the first teacher of the Kanien’kehá:ka Ratiwennahní:rats Adult Immersion Program alongside Konwaronhiá:wi Annie Deer. Karihwénhawe is acknowledge by many nations as being influential in their efforts as well. Still encouraging and supporting all the language work today, for many of us, Karihwénhawe has been our mentor, our teacher and our cherished friend.

Invited Speakers

Opening Address – Tekarohió:ken Frank Jacobs Jr

Tekaronhió:ken has been a Kanien’kéha teacher in Kahnawà:ke for many, many years and remains a strong advocate for language revitalization in Kahnawà:ke. His impactful contributions in curriculum development, resource development and translation are invaluable. Now a retired teacher, he is still very willing to support the many adult learners with his great storytelling, good-hearted humor and very encouraging approach to teaching.

Invited Speaker – Kahrhó:wane Cory McComber

Kahrhó:wane is a superior language speaker who spent many years dedicated to studying Kanien’kéha. He is currently co-teaching in the Kanien’kéha Ratiwennahní:rats Adult Immersion Program, where he continues to encourage and inspire many adult language learners. He is highly respected for being very knowledgeable of our history, ceremonies and teachings. Leading by example, Kahrhó:wane and his wife Kanerahtóntha raise their 4 children in the language.

Performer

Singer – Kwahará:ni Jacobs

Kwahará:ni Jacobs is a beautiful, intelligent and incredibly talented young woman from Kahnawà:ke. She is currently a student in Kanien’kéha Ratiwennahní:rats. Kwahará:ni happens to be the Grand-daughter of one of our Keynote speakers, Kaia’titáhkhe Annette Jacobs. During our language planning sessions, the Elder’s table had a discussion about the “old Kahnawà:ke songs” which promoted a sense of pride and love for Kahnawà:ke. In response, our Steering Committee invited Kwahará:ni Jacobs to sing a song “Kahnawà:ke” (original by Margaret Jocks’ and newer version by Kaia’titáhkhe Annette Jacobs). In a second performance of the song, Kwahará:ni and her Grandmother Kaia’titáhkhe sang as a duet (one of the highlights of our day).

Lightning Round Speakers

The Skátne Enionkwaió’ten Steering Committee invited representatives from various schools and language programs to prepare short (3-5 min) presentations highlighting how they teach or share language and culture. We would like to take this time to thank everyone who participated in the lightning rounds. Your hard work, passion, and dedication to revitalizing and teaching the language is inspiring!