Parents for Bilingual Education has been focusing on increasing understandings about equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization in several ways over recent years: from workshops and webinars about increasing diversity in our membership base and succession strategies to a one-year study facilitated by an external expert to analyze assumptions, practices, and priorities related to equity and diversity. This spring, with the leadership of CPF SK, a Branch speaker series was organized to explore Indigenous languages and cultures.

A key part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action is understanding the truth of colonization, residential schools, and ongoing marginalization experienced by Indigenous peoples. The next part is action, i.e., actually doing something to make the future better and more inclusive where all those who call Canada home can access language education for their families.

• What more can we learn about Indigenous communities and languages in each province and territory?
• Are there ways for students who speak Indigenous languages to incorporate French into their linguistic repertoires if they wish to do so? 
• What could Indigenous language revitalization look like in a French Second Language classroom?  
• What are some educational opportunities and cautions (for students, families, and language communities) to consider?
• What role can Parents for Bilingual Education play as language education advocates walking alongside those advocating for Indigenous language education?