Voices from the Land: Indigenous Peoples Talk Language Revitalization - Brenda MacIntire

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is pleased to announce the launch of Season 2 of Voices from the Land. In episode 1, Gordon is joined by Medicine Song Woman - Brenda MacIntyre. Brenda is a Juno award winning singer, mentor, public speaker, mother and adult learner of both the Cree and Ojibwe languages. 

 

As an adult language learner, Brenda imparts important considerations to those who are just beginning to learn their Indigenous language. Brenda shares: "Our languages connect us to our blood memory, our Ancestors, the land and who we are. Finding my voice in the Cree and Ojibwe languages brings me home." Through the learning process, it is so important to have patience with oneself and Brenda draws the connections she sees to the benefits of community building through traditional language learning.  Brenda hopes of going to a language and culture camp, to further her language learning in the context of being on the land. As a musician, learning to speak Cree and Ojibwe through songs has been a successful method for language retention and has also inspired her to incorporate it into her music. Though gathering restrictions due to the pandemic have presented challenges, online learning such as Cree Chatter Hour have been vital spaces to learn and practice with others. In this interview, Brenda outlines her path to language reclamation and how it has deepened her connection to herself and community.