The Truro Middle School about an hour north of Halifax in Nova Scotia is teaching the Mi’kmaw language to its students.
The principal of the school, which is located near Millbrook First Nation, says it’s important for students to feel welcome in their school.
“We are learning so much from one another and are able to see all of the issues and life experiences through different lenses and not only enriches our experiences as educators and as students at this school,” says Tammy Fox.
Noreen Sylliboy from the Millbrook First Nation, says she loves her language and teaching it to students.
“I love seeing children pick up a word and say it, even pronouncing a word correctly,” she says.
Students who aren’t Mi’kmaw are enjoying the classes as well.
“It’s good because the language is dying and it’s just nice to learn it,” says Brandon Fairchild-Giles.
Sylliboy hopes more schools incorporate Mi’kmaw classes in the future after Nova Scotia introduced a law to designate Mi’kmaw as the province’s first language.
