Child Language Acquisition Symposium

On May 17-18 2024, Iakwahwatsiratátie traveled to New Mexico and presented in the inaugural CLASIC- Child Language Acquisition Symposium for Indigenous Communities (https://iclrc.unm.edu/clasic ). In their own words, “CLASIC is a symposium concerned with Indigenous child language acquisition in the United States and Canada”.

Topics that Iakwahwatsiratátie presented on over the two days were as follows:

Language Nest Panels:

New Beginnings - Ieronhienhá:wi McComber

Holistic Benefits - Skanaiè:a Deer

Lessons Learned - Karihwakátste Deer

Living Languages - Kanerahtenhá:wi Phillips

Ieronhienhawi McComber

“Mohawks (and one Oneida) take over New Mexico. A gathering of language nests for the Child Language Acquisition Symposium sharing and discussing best practices. So much good work happening across Indian country. If we want to keep our languages there’s no doubt parents are the key and speaking it in the home is crucial. It’s so refreshing to see more language nests across Indian country including parents in their efforts. Lots of good work happening everywhere. I am so very proud of everyone from Kahnawake, Akwesasne & Kanehsatake for stepping up to the plate and speaking in front of all these people, especially Kanerahtenhawi for presenting for her first time ever and for sharing her story of resilience in never allowing English to take over her home. Karihwakatste Deer Kanerahtenhawi Pinsonneault Skana Deer Brandyce Barnes Teyútkwʌ Jimerson Kwaharani Jacobs Azure Brown Iakwahwatsiratátie Language Nest Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory #iakwahwatsiratatie”