Sask. First Nation man builds Dene computer keyboard to help others to learn the language

A man from a northern Saskatchewan First Nation has built what he believes is the world's first specialized Dene language computer keyboard, in hopes of making the Indigenous language more accessible. 

"There was no keyboard for me to use to type my language," said Chevez Ezaneh, who is from English River First Nation.

"It initially started off as a hobby — I just wanted a keyboard to make the language more accessible. After I made the first keyboard prototype, I realized this is something that other people want as well," he told CBC Radio's The Morning Edition host Stefani Langenegger. 

While there are apps and software keyboards that allow people to type in Indigenous languages, Ezaneh believes his physical Dene keyboard is a first.

The Dene keyboards are now being used in the Common Weal Community Arts project to inspire more youth at the St. Louis School in Patuanak — about 425 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon — to learn the language.

Ezaneh says so far, it seems to be working.

"I was amazed at how quickly they got the hang of it. Within, like, 10 minutes they had kind of figured it out."

His mother, Michèle Mackasey, features Dene engravings through her work as the lead artist for the Common Weal Community Arts project.

Mackasey says the project aims to combine art and technology to help Dene language revitalization efforts. 

"It's a fun way to get kids to participate," Mackasey said. "I think the whole idea of the project was really trying to get kids interested in using it and learning how to write their language."

Mackasey added that the kids are also learning the language through handwriting and engaging with elders.

Statistics Canada 2021 census data says the number of people who could speak Dene in Saskatchewan dropped nearly eight per cent since 2016. 

All Indigenous languages spoken in Canada are considered at risk, according to the UNESCO Atlas of World Language. 

Randy Morin, who focuses on Indigenous language revitalization and reclamation through his work as an assistant professor in the University of Saskatchewan's department of Indigenous studies, says technology plays an important role revitalizing Indigenous languages.