The Language Nest is an initiative that is focused on creating fluency at the preschool age level in daycare-headstart institutions in the First Nation community. Three communities hosted language nest pilot programs in 2013. These communities have engaged with the LRP coordinator to submit monitoring notes on their daycare initiatives.
Kwänlin Dün First Nation, Dusk’a Head Start Learning Centre, Whitehorse (Southern Tutchone)
This pilot project began in January 2013 and ran for one year. The staff reported that the children became very proficient in the language, but also that staff became more and more eager to learn, and that parents are also being brought into the fold. They managed to record five books with input from staff, elders, parents, teachers, and children. They noticed a change in the attitude and behaviour of the children as they show more confidence and pride. The staff at Dusk’a were able to secure funding from alternate sources to continue the project for the 2014-2015 year.
Kluane First Nation, Kluane Daycare, Burwash (Southern Tutchone)
This pilot project began in January 2013 and ran for one year. The program was a success resulting in more community engagement and children and staff learning the language at a high level. The Language Nest coordinator at Kluane First Nation was able to demonstrate the success of this program and secure more funding from other sources for the year 2014-2015 year.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Yakw Du Hidi Early Childhood Education Centre, Carcross (Łingit)
This project began in January 2013 and ran for one year. They found that the program resulted in an increased amount of engaged elders and youth, an increased desire to live by traditional values, and a much higher level of proficiency in the language for children transitioning into elementary school. This project gave the daycare the foundation to secure more funding to continue the Language Nest.