Beginner Nakoda with Theresa O’Watch

Beginner Nakoda Classes with Theresa O’Watch

Reconciliation Regina has partnered with the Regina Public Library to host the Reconciliation Through Language Learning, a beginner language program series aimed at revitalizing Treaty Four territory’s Indigenous languages that were lost through Residential Schools. The languages that will be part of the series include: Saulteaux, Cree, Nakoda, Dakota & Lakota and Michif.

The schedule will be as follows:

Nakoda Classes: January 17 to March 21, 2023 – Every Tuesday from 7-8pm

*Date & Times subject to change

The programming will be offered remotely through Zoom.

There is no cost to participate.

Register here: https://reconciliationregina.com/language-class-registration/

Biography:

Theresa O’Watch (Wicó’í’a wiya), a grandmother of three, was born and raised in Čega K’Inná Nakoda Nation. She is the seventh child of Douglas and Velma (Eashappie) O’Watch. Born into a Nakoda-speaking home, both Theresa’s parents were fluent speakers. Language has always been a family teaching and the importance of retaining it to us as Nakoda people. Encouraged by her late sister Freda O’Watch, Theresa was fortunate to awaken the language in her after many years of rest. “My sister was always the biggest influence on me, [she] would always say that language has a spirit. I support and always encourage everyone to share what they know. Many people want to learn and know their language, know you are never too old to learn”. In 2017 Theresa attained a Certificate in Indigenous Languages from the First Nations University of Canada. Today, she and her puppet helper Kooshi teach Nakoda Language to the students at the Nakoda Oyade Education Center on Carry the Kettle First Nation.