In Vern Lewis’ classroom at Frog Lake First Nation, students are encouraged to use their cellphones, a practice uncommon at Tustukeeskaws High School and in classrooms throughout Alberta. Lewis, the teacher, allows students to utilize their cellphones for a unique purpose – learning and teaching Cree, the native language of the community. Located in east-central Alberta, Frog Lake First Nation is about 30 kilometers west of the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
Lewis’ approach involves using a smartphone application he developed, named “How do I say this in Cree,” to help students learn Cree phrases. The app, initiated just a month ago, allows students to record themselves speaking English phrases they wish to learn in Cree. These recordings can be played back for practice and shared with other users for collaborative learning.
Grade 10 student Gabriel Morris, initially skeptical of the idea, has now become an active user of the app. He contributes new phrases and records his voice to improve pronunciation, aiming to reconnect with Cree language and culture. Morris emphasizes the importance of preserving the Cree language, expressing his role in safeguarding this vital aspect of their heritage.
Lewis, leveraging his computer science background, designed the app to bridge the gap between the younger generation and Cree language tradition. He envisions expanding the app’s usage to other First Nations schools in Alberta and beyond, including non-Indigenous individuals interested in learning Cree. The interactive and collaborative nature of the app fosters a sense of community and cultural preservation among users.
By integrating technology with language learning, Lewis and his students are paving the way for a renewed appreciation and understanding of Cree heritage. The app’s impact extends beyond the classroom, reaching parents and staff members who are eager to embrace and preserve the language for future generations. Through innovative initiatives like this app, the spirit of spoken Cree is being revitalized for the benefit of the entire community.
