Vancouver schools mull proposals to introduce, expand Indigenous, other language programs
Posted May 13, 2021 10:01 am.
Last Updated May 13, 2021 10:03 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The push to launch Indigenous-language education in Vancouver schools has taken another step forward.
At the final Vancouver School Board Finance Committee meeting for the 2020-21 year on Wednesday, speakers were able to voice their thoughts on allocating money towards a pilot program.
“Why hasn’t this happened yet? We are a large, diverse, capable, and expanding city. Does this mean we don’t have the skills to offer such programs? Do we not have the resources to provide such teachings around Indigenous languages? Do we not have the will?” asked elementary school teacher Liz Locke.
She says teaching Indigenous language to students would help boost a sense of confidence among children.
Locke explains why it’s important to value Indigenous languages alongside English and French.
“It will help out identity and connection, language revitalization and programming helps with healing and it makes people, our students, feel more whole. It will build a sense of pride in our students that is currently and tragically underrepresented,” she said.
“Having no Indigenous languages in our schools but offering English and French is something that identifies how we value language, or how we devalue language. Without there even being an opportunity, what are we expressing to our students and how are we building a classification of culture?”
The discussion around Indigenous-language education was brought up alongside a proposal to fund more support staff to help students who are learning English as a second language.
Related article: Vancouver schools budget should invest in Indigenous languages: trustee
“I have family members who are struggling with language, the English language, and they need the support. And to have one person delegated to do that for the VSB as a whole is quite ridiculous to me,” Niri Sohpaul said, noting support for that proposal.
“As a landed immigrant with my parents and so forth, and having people come from abroad that are family members that are struggling through this, I would hope that you guys are considering to add positions into this,” Sohpaul told the committee.
Both items will be part of the committee’s budget vote on May 25.
“I’ve seen the importance of language support in schools,” said Erin Arnold, a social worker. “The benefits are profound. It assists the whole family of feeling connected to their school and community.”
