A Language in Urgent Need of Revitalization
It is estimated that fewer than 100 fluent speakers of the Wolastoqey language remain, with most over the age of 65. UNESCO classifies Wolastoqey as severely endangered. In response to this urgent need, the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation has created a new designated fund to support the revitalization and preservation of the language.
The People of the Beautiful River
The Wolastoqiyik — the people of the beautiful and bountiful river, the Wolastoq — are part of the Wabanaki Confederacy, an alliance of the five principal Eastern Algonquian Nations: Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomahkati, Penobscot, and Abenaki.
Despite colonial authorities renaming the river the St. John River, and the current provincial government’s refusal to restore its original name, the Wolastoq remains central to Wolastoqiyik identity. It is a source of food, medicine, and connection for the communities along its banks.
Wolastokuk, the territory of the Wolastoqiyik, extends throughout present-day New Brunswick into Québec and Maine. The Wolastoqey language is a vital part of Wolastoqiyik identity and belongs to the Algonquian language family.
Kehkimin: The First Wolastoqey Immersion School
Indigenous populations are among the fastest-growing communities in Canada. As Elders — the knowledge keepers of the language — continue to pass on, revitalizing Indigenous languages for future generations has become an urgent priority.
Kehkimin, founded by Lisa Perley-Dutcher and her team, represents a powerful response to this need. Established in 2022 at Killarney Lake in Fredericton, Kehkimin is the first Wolastoqey land-based immersion school.
Kehkimin, meaning “teach me,” is a non-profit organization currently working toward becoming a registered charity. Through immersive language learning and land-based early childhood education grounded in the ways of the Wolastoqiyik, the school sustains and strengthens Wolastoqey language revitalization. Its goal is to re-connect children with their language and culture while cultivating new generations of fluent speakers. Kehkimin currently welcomes ten young learners.
How to Support the Wolastoqey Language Fund
Individual and business donors can contribute to the Wolastoqey Language Fund through the CanadaHelps donation form below. Donors will receive an instant tax receipt.
Or mailed to:
Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation
4 Stanley Johnson Street
Millbrook, NS B6L 5B4
With so few fluent speakers remaining, there is only a short window of time to ensure the Wolastoqey language thrives for future generations. Any support you can offer is deeply appreciated.
Woliwon!
Watch the mini-documentary featuring Kehkimin by Mi’kmaq Filmmaker, Desmond Simon.