Cultural classes aim to make Mi'kmaw language thrive on P.E.I.

Ten-year-old Sophia Bourque already speaks more Mi'kmaw than most adults.

That's because few adults speak Mi'kmaw, and even fewer speak it fluently.

"Kwe' n'in teluisi amalgat mimigej'ij," Bourque said, introducing herself by her traditional name, Little Dancing Butterfly.

Bourque began learning the language with her mother a few years ago. Recently, they've been going to the STEAM P.E.I. building in Charlottetown for classes held by Mi'kmaw Elder Junior Peter-Paul.

After about four classes, Bourque is starting to pick up some words.

"When I hear Junior talking with other fluent Mi'kmaw speakers, I can understand a bit of what they're saying," she said.

"I think if I keep coming to these classes in about like five years, I'll be able to speak fluently in Mi'kmaw. That would make me really proud."

That's exactly what Peter-Paul wanted when he started the classes: for the language to grow, and for more people to want to learn it.

"I try to keep it as simple as much as possible," he explained. "I'm trying to teach them just the everyday basic words, the conversations that you hear in the communities from the elders."

But the classes aren't just about the language.

Peter-Paul is a traditional drum-maker, and incorporates drumming and other cultural elements into his lessons.

"I include drumming because it all involves Mi'kmaw language with it, because some of our songs are in Mi'kmaw language," he said. "It's easier for them to learn as they're singing and playing the drum."

Other Mi'kmaw elders are invited to the classes to share their teachings as well. When Peter-Paul speaks with them in MI'kmaw, it's an opportunity for everyone to hear the language in conversation — something he said doesn't happen often.

"The language comes after you start hearing the words," says Mike Viau, one of the people in the class.