Claiming Space: An Autoethnographic Study of Indigenous Graduate Students Engaged in Language Reclamation

Date

2015

Authors

Chew, Kari A. B.
Greendeer, Nitana Hicks
Keliiaa, Caitlin

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

International Journal of Multicultural Education

Abstract

This article explores the critical role of an emerging generation of Indigenous scholars and activists in ensuring the continuity of their endangered heritage languages. Using collaborative autoethnography as a research method, the authors present personal accounts of their pursuit of language reclamation through graduate degree programs. These accounts speak to the importance of access to Indigenous languages and the necessity of space at universities to engage in language reclamation. The authors view higher education as a tool—though one that must be improved—to support Indigenous language reclamation efforts.

Description

Keywords

Indigenous languages, language reclamation, language revitalization, higher education, collaborative autoethnography, NEȾOLṈEW̱ ‘one mind, one people’: Indigenous Language Research Network

Citation

Chew, K.A.B., Hicks, N. & Keliia, C. (2015). Claiming Space: An Autoethnographic Study of Indigenous Graduate Students Engaged in Language Reclamation. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 17(2), 73-91. http://dx.doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v17i2.966