'Every word is life': Folks gather to learn Wolastoqey language

This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You can see more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.

A year ago, Ann Paul wouldn't introduce herself in Wolastoqey. 

But after months of learning — both by herself and from her grandchildren, who go to an immersive Wolastoqey school and bring the language home to her — Ann now feels comfortable standing up in sharing circles and speaking in her language. 

"I'm taking my power back and I"m learning it," she said. "I'm using it whenever I can, and I will eventually be a speaker."

Language gatherings like the one recently held at the Paul Pyres Centre in Neqotkuk First Nation (Tobique) are important, Ann said, because they can empower people who are afraid to try speaking Wolastoqey. 

Scroll through the photos and watch the video to see what happens at a language gathering.

Photographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick. Click here or on the image below to see more of her work.