Bill 96: Mohawk children are afraid for their language

By expressing themselves primarily in English, the Mohawks will be directly affected by the reform of the French Language Charter, which provides for the addition of three French courses to the training of students attending English -speaking CEGEPs. Successful completion of two French courses is a must.

Although their right to preserve their language and culture is protected by the Charter, the bill does not specifically mention Aboriginal people, which they vehemently oppose. Now, they are asking Quebec to be exempt from Bill 96 or, better yet, abolish it.

This is an attack on our languagelaunched Ra’nikonhri: io Lazare, a 22 -year -old teacher.

We understand that this is to protect the culture, but 85% of Quebec’s population speaks French. 300 of us speak our language, which I don’t know much aboutexplained Teiotsatonteh Diabo, who plans to attend Dawson College in the fall.

Sadly I was forced to learn French before my own language. Many people think that way in the community.

The 19-year-old girl recalled some painful parts of her country’s history, having somehow survived residential schools and other assimilation attempts.

We are a small community. We don’t have much left and we need to protect the rest of us. This is our message and hopefully it will get to Legault. I hope he listens to us and puts himself in our place.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered in front of Kahnawake Survival School before beginning their march toward Mercier Bridge. Access to education is at the heart of their concerns.

I think of all these young people I teach. This law has a big impact on them when it comes time to choose what they want to do with life.said Ra’nikonhri: io Lazare.

The latter fears the legislative project will hinder the future prospects of the next generations of Mohawks by adding new barriers to access to higher education.

Of course, that will reduce the chances of our young people getting into CEGEP and university.

Most people here speak English, says Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer, an elder from Kahnawake. They should not be punished if they want to go to school.

According to Teiotsatonteh Diabo, what makes it harder for Aboriginal youth to access education threatens everyone else. The system of social infrastructure built in Kahnawake to ensure greater autonomy for the community will suffer first.

It will affect my younger sister’s education, but it will also have an impact on our health system. We would have a hard time keeping our hospital in the community and we would always have to go to Montreal for everything related to care. All our documents are in French, all doctors will speak French …said Teiotsatonteh Diabo.

We have been assimilated. Bill 96 will bring us back.

The Legault government recently assured that the reform project will not affect health care, which will always be offered in French.

Without consultation, an old man is sad

As the youngest walks under the blazing sun and the sound of the car horn, Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer patiently waits for their return to the front of the school. Sitting next to a tree, he keeps the fire burning for the ceremony before leaving.

Nearly 50 years after Act 101, the oldest has the impression that the same scenario has resurfaced. Although he remains hopeful, he finds it difficult to accept the government’s refusal to talk to First Nations and consider their demands regarding Charter reform. A reform in which Aboriginal people were not consulted.

We have made agreements on peace, friendship and respect, says Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer. The attitude of the government, it seems we are not important. You will not pass a law without consulting the people concerned. That’s what bothers us.