by Andrea Durfee Communications Manager

October 13, 2023 (Fredericton, NB) – It is estimated that there are less than 100 fluent speakers of the Wolastoqey language and most of them are over 65 years old. UNESCO classifies the Wolastoqey language as severely endangered. The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation has created a new designated fund to support the revitalization of the language.

The Wolastoqiyik, the people of the beautiful and bountiful river — or the Wolastoq, are part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. This is the alliance of the five principal Eastern Algonquian Nations: the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomahkati, Penobscot and Abenaki. Despite colonial authorities naming the river the St. John River, and the current provincial government refusing to change its name to the Wolastoq, this river has been and still is a vital source of food and medicine, as well as connecting the Wolastoqiyik communities along its banks. Wolastokuk — the territory of the Wolastoqiyik — runs along this river and extends into Québec (Canada) and Maine (US). The Wolastoqey language is an essential part of the Wolastoqiyik and is part of the Algonquian language family.

Indigenous communities are now the fastest growing community in Canada. But as Elders who have held onto their languages continue to disappear, reviving languages for new generations is a priority. But how? One example is Lisa Perley-Dutcher and her team’s efforts through the creation of “Keh ...

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