Transfer of Knowledge June 2nd, 2024

In 2016, The Siksika Nation developed a language app to assist teachers. The problem with this idea is the assumption that teachers are fluent and students are retaining the knowledge. It was also assumed that the Siksika Board of Education continues to use an outdated language curriculum from the 1980's. The ideology of teaching Blackfoot did not change, adapt or redevelop since the creators of the curriculum were heavy influencers in the development of the Siksika language app. Do not get me wrong the app is a huge step forward in technology but also not an original idea specifically for the Blackfoot language. The app is a carbon copy of Crow Agency language app.

So why the basic attack on the our current language curriculum. In the early develop of Blackfoot language revitalization programs and linguistics began in the early 1980's. Today's language revitalization program theories seem to based on 1980's ideology when examining the Blackfoot language. The sad reality of the Siksika people is the pride that is bedded into the culture, language and history, which sometimes is transferred as arrogance of being higher than the next. In my opinion, the Siksika Nation is in need of drastic change of all shapes of culture; social, political, material and spiritual.

So I challenge myself in learning my own language from a ceremonial level. I also challenge the current Siksika language curriculum. The curriculum should be developed from a Siksika perspective in thought and mind. Moving forward like a train, I have begun collaborating with ceremonial elders who feel the same way. The transfer of knowledge has begun and look forward to becoming a child, new learner, student and an elder in training.