Caledonia, ON — March 30, 2026 — Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) hosted the Indigenous Languages Day Celebration: Language, Land, and Living Ways of Knowing at MontHill Golf & Country Club, bringing together Indigenous language speakers, knowledge holders, educators, students, and community leaders for a day of dialogue, reflection, and shared learning.
This one-day gathering centred Hodinohsó:ni perspectives on the deep and inseparable relationship between language, land, identity, and responsibility. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and community dialogue, the event highlighted the vital role of Indigenous languages in supporting cultural resurgence, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
“Language is more than communication—it is a living relationship that carries our responsibilities to land, community, and future generations,” said Stevie Jonathan, Senior Associate Dean of University Programs and the Deyohahá:ge Indigenous Knowledge Centre at Six Nations Polytechnic. “This gathering creates space to learn from one another, strengthen our relationships, and continue advancing Indigenous-led language revitalization.”
The event featured presentations from Mike Abrams on the resurgence of the Onondaga language at Six Nations of the Grand River, as well as an afternoon session highlighting Elva Jamieson’s teachings on the importance of educating younger generations through land-based learning.
The event also included a powerful keynote panel discussion with respected speakers representing multiple Hodinohsó:ni Nations, including Angela Ferguson, Wayne Abrams, Elan Henhawk, Ryan DeCaire, Dayna McDougall, and Brennen Ferguson. Panellists shared teachings on language as a living relationship with one another and the land, intergenerational knowledge transmission, environmental stewardship, and the role of language in identity and well-being.
Additionally, participants were engaged in a community consultation for the Master of Arts in Ogwehoweh Languages program currently in development at Six Nations Polytechnic. This program represents a significant step forward in Indigenous language revitalization within the Six Nations community, supporting advanced language learning, research, and the strengthening of future language leaders.
The celebration welcomed nearly 200 participants from across communities, post-secondary institutions, and partner organizations. Attendees engaged with how language revitalization connects to land-based practices, ecological knowledge, and sustainable futures.
This gathering reflects Six Nations Polytechnic’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous knowledge, language revitalization, and community-driven education. It is envisioned as part of an annual series of knowledge exchanges that support future generations of learners and knowledge holders.
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