Was at a luncheon today with guest speaker, The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Canada’s 21 Prime Minister. The focus of discussion centered on education and First Nations children. I particularly applaud his belief that cultural languages need to be preserved. In my book, “Legacy and Tradition” I have taken quotes from each of the Ranger interviews and had them translated into their community’s language through syllabics and through phonetics. An example of a quote in the Oji-Cree language is written below:
MUSKRAT DAM RANGER
“The Ranger program has given me a second chance to learn how to survive,” says Master Corporal Emily Beardy. “Find yours!”
“ᐁᑲᐧ ᐅᒪ ᐅᓄᑎᓂᑫᓯᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᓂᑭᐅᒋᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐣ ᑫᑐᑕᒪᐣ ᒋᐱᒪᒋᐦᐅᔭᐣ,” ᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᐢᑐᕑ ᑲᐧᕑᑊᕑᐊᓫ ᐁᒪᓫᐃ ᐯᕑᑎ. “ᑫᑭᐣ ᑕᐡ ᑲᑫᐧᒥᑲᒪᓱᐣ!”
“Egwa ohmaa ohnodihnikesiiwi kihkinohahmaakewinik ni’kii onhci wiihcihikon ke’totamaan ci’pimaacihoyaan,” ihkito Master Corporal Emily Beardy. “Kekiin tash kakwe mihkamaason!”
