Inuit Languages

Overview

Delivery method

Online

Duration

Audience

All HC and PHAC Employees

Description

Join the Circle of Nations for a series of Inuit Teachings from Elder Edna Elias.

Elder Edna is a residential school survivor, having attended Stringer Hall and Sir Alexander Mackenzie school in Inuvik, NT. Upon arrival home one summer from residential school, an aunt told her to quit trying to talk Inuinnaqtun because she was not speaking it properly; that she had become “white”. This stuck with her for years, so she took it to heart and throughout her professional life strived to learn and master her language. As the Commissioner of Nunavut, she has made it known from the onset that her advocacy for the Inuit language, particularly the Inuinnaqtun dialect would remain one of her priorities. Elder Edna is a recipient of the Order of Nunavut and is a member of the Order of Canada (for her work in language protection, maintenance, teaching and revitalization). Since April 22, Elder Edna has been a valuable member of the NRCan’s Elder-in-Residence Program.