Ep 8: The Power of Indigenous Languages with Dr. Lorna Williams

Today’s episode is all about language – its connection to our mental, emotional, spiritual & physical wellness.In fact, just look at the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum, on our website, ThunderbirdPF.org and you’ll see that language is considered to be one of the Indigenous social determinants of health. It’s considered as vital to our wellness as access to health care, housing & education.Sherry's guest today, Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, is an inspiration in her fearless and determined pursuit of the power of Indigenous languages.For more than 50 years, Dr. Williams of the Lil’wat First Nation has been an Indigenous educator and language specialist. A survivor of Residential Schools, she has worked from the grass-roots to the national levels helping Indigenous peoples overcome the damage done to language and culture by colonization. In doing so, she has developed Indigenous language undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University of Victoria where she serves as the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Education. She was awarded the Order of Canada for her work.To learn more about the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, please visit our website thunderbirdpf.orgYou can find us on social media by searching for ThunderbirdPFOur theme music is by Courtney Riley, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.Mino Bimaadiziwin is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions and the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.