Language skills fit into crafts
Traditional activities program teaches students Dene Zhatie
Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, December 12, 2013
PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY
Grouped around three tables, 21 students were actively engaged in making Christmas cards and popcorn garlands in the Bompas Elementary School kitchen on Dec. 4.
Lily Gu, left, holds the Christmas card she made on Dec. 4, with the help of instructor Maryjane Cazon at the after school traditional activities program that is being offered at Bompas Elementary School as part of the We Are Speaking the Dene Way language program. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo
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The crafts were part of the traditional activities program that is being offered at the school as part of the We Are Speaking the Dene Way language program. The program, a collaboration between Anyes Fabre-Dimsdale and the Deh Cho Friendship Centre, resulted in an interactive DVD-ROM in 2011 followed by a website and an iPad app, all designed to teach young children the basics of Dene Zhatie, also known as South Slavey.
Fabre-Dimsdale and the centre are now using funding from Canadian Heritage to offer a series of traditional activities during which students will have a chance to practice and increase their exposure to Dene Zhatie. The first session, which began on Nov. 11, has been focused on introducing students to sewing.
Between 12 to 15 students have attended each Wednesday session. They have made a variety of crafts, including Christmas ornaments and holiday frames.
"It's great to see their enthusiasm," said Fabre-Dimsdale.
The other planned activities, which will be appropriate for different age groups, include rabbit fur mittens, moose hair tufting, porcupine quilling and drum making. Use of Dene Zhatie will be incorporated into each activity, she said.
For the introductory sewing classes, instructor Mayjane Cazon has been starting each session by reviewing Dene Zhatie words and phrases linked to sewing, including ehts'o for beads and how to ask for help. During the sessions, Cazon often gives instructions in Dene Zhatie while demonstrating to the students what she means.
Cazon said she is enjoying sewing with the students. By learning the basic skills the students will be able to do things, like sew on a button or mend their clothes when they need to.
Cazon's mother, Dora Nayally, along with other female elders taught her to sew beginning at age six. Her first project was a pair of small uppers. It took her seven tries before she completed them to a standard her mother would accept.
While they are sewing the students are learning it is OK to make a mistake and have to redo their work, she said.
"They are learning patience as they are sewing," said Cazon.
Alisha Hardisty-Isaiah, 11, said she's been enjoying the fun projects at the program, including the Christmas ornaments and garlands. Making rabbit fur mitts is something she's looking forward to.
Sitting at the same table Cadence Erasmus, 7, was working on stitching in her Christmas card.
"I like to sew and I like to make stuff," she said.
Erasmus said the program is helping to improve her sewing and her Dene Zhatie.
