1. Objectifs

Intentions :
This thesis, composed of two manuscripts, explores «the intimate relationships between iiyiyuuayimuwin (Eastern Cree language) and ischii, and the implications of language reclamation for miyupimaatisiiun (Eeyou community and individual wellbeing), as shared with [the author] by community members. [T]he first of two manuscripts [demonstrate] how dispossession caused by colonial encroachment and neocolonial extractivism has caused these relationships to weaken, and explore community responses to these impacts over several generations. [The] second manuscript [explores] the impacts of the process of language reclamation on CLWA [Cree Literacy for Wemindji Adults program] classes participants’ and community wellbeing and sense of cultural identity.» (p. iii)

Échantillon/Matériau :
Data is based on 22 conversations «with 27 community members about factors affecting the state of iiyiyuuayimuwin in Wemindji, and the impacts of the program on participants and the community. Participants include, 12 Elders, 2 Cree Nation Government (CNG) representatives, 4 community organisers, 3 Cree Language teachers (1 also a CLWA organiser), and 14 CLWA participants (including 8 Elders, and 3 organisers).» (p. 80)

Instruments :
- Guide d’entretien semi-directif
- Guide d’entretien de groupe

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

In the first manuscript, results show that «[w]hile scholars have elsewhere recorded the social effects of industrial dispossession on Eeyou communities [it] were not mentioned by participants. […] Very significant to this group was the “indirect” dispossession effected by that many Wemindji Eeyouch experienced as children who were sent by the Government of Canada to Church-run residential schools. Many children spent years away from their families and missed out on important cultural- and language transmission, missing precious opportunities for land-based knowledge, culture, and language.» (p. 73) In the second manuscript, results show that some «very dedicated participants have improved their syllabic literacy skills, however, […] the impacts of language reclamation are much vaster than quantitative metrics. CLWA classes and activities are having many positive impacts on the wellbeing of community members and their relations to their families, language, and culture, and are bringing participants a sense of pride, hope, and connection to one another and to cultural identity.» (p. 100) Moreover, «[i]ntergenerational settings provide opportunities for community members to learn from Elders, and may enhance Elders’ sense of value to their community. Cultural activities bring families and friends together, and can integrate the younger age groups, which are at the locus of language loss.» (p. 99)