New Kanien’kéha song books for babies
Kahnawà:ke (13 July 2020)— Front Porch Publishing coordinators would like to formally announce the launch of children’s board books printed entirely in the Kanien’kéha language. The set of three (3) nursery rhyme books were translated to promote language learning through reading and singing in Kanien’kéha, and will be distributed free to every Kahnawà:ke child between the ages of 0-48 months.
Kanien’kéha is an endangered language, and there are presently few children’s books published in Mohawk and none in board book format. Research has shown that the preschool years, especially the first three years of life, are believed to be a vital period in a child’s life to learn and reinforce languages. In 2018, Kahnawà:ke initiated a five-year strategic plan for language revitalization, with a ‘whole community’ approach toward the ultimate goal of birthing first-language speakers.
The board book idea evolved from a discussion between two friends about the lack of ‘finger-friendly’ Kanien’kéha books to read with very small children. Those community members easily recruited more friends and the result is 3,000 new books.
This project was carried out entirely by volunteer illustrators, graphic artists, translators and an administrative team who worked tirelessly to see it through. The project could not have been achieved without the generous funding provided by the Caisse Populaire’s Community Development Project Fund, Circle of Giving program, and Iakwahwatsiratátie Language Nest, who provided Kanien’kéha editing and translation for the books Otsísto Otsísto (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star), Takwa’ahson (Itsy Bitsy Spider) and Akeráhkhwa (You are My Sunshine).
The distribution will occur on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, at Karonhianónhnha School, with a special book dedication ceremony taking place at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday. Due to the current state of emergency in place in Kahnawà:ke, safety protocols created by the Kahnawà:ke Covid-19 Task Force will be enforced to uphold the safety of all. If you would like more information, please contact Charleen Schurman or Jody Jacobs.
Books can be purchased through the Kahnawake Library website klibrary.ca, or by calling 450-633-1016, or e-mail: kahnawakelibrary@paulcomm.ca.
All proceeds to the Iakwahwatsiratátie Language Nest.
Contact:
Charleen Schurman
PlanIT Consulting & Communications
Front Porch Publishing
514-797-8076
charleen@planitkahnawake.ca
Jody Jacobs
Project Coordinator
514-346-4645
jody.jacobs74@gmail.com