KANIEN'KEHÁ:KA: Living The Language

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A 2-part documentary in Mohawk with English and French versions
Length: A two-part documentary, 48 min each.
Release: 2008
Original Language: Mohawk
Other Versions: English and French
Producers: Paul M. Rickard and George Hargrave
Produced by: Mushkeg Productions Inc. in association with APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network)

Kanien’kehá:ka - Living the Language is a two part documentary about the personal, thought provoking and honest stories of the Mohawk language (Kanien’kehá:ka) immersion program in Akwesasne. It examines various aspects of what it takes to learn and maintain a language through immersion by addressing key concepts of tradition, traditional education and identity preservation. In the late 1970’s, the Mohawk community of Akwesasne began a dynamic language revitalization movement. The establishment of Mohawk language immersion programs and the creation of the Akwesasne Freedom School were just two of the major aspects of the movement. “One cannot be traditional without knowing and speaking Kanien’kehá:ka (the Mohawk language)” is often heard at the school. Parents and elders operate the Freedom School by a consensus decision-making process with financial support primarily from annual quilt sales and potluck dinners.

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