Towards an International Convention on Indigenous Languages with Dr. Wilton Littlechild

Join Dr. Wilton Littlechild, PEB '67, MA '75 LLB '76, LLD (Hon.) '07, as he outlines the development history and current activities related to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages within the framework of the United Nations' Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032). It highlights global efforts, including conferences, policy developments, educational programs, and community projects. 

The proposal advocates for an Indigenous-led resolution at the United Nations to establish an International Convention on Indigenous Languages. This legally binding convention would aim to ensure legal protection, mobilize resources, integrate Indigenous languages into educational systems, and preserve cultural heritage.

J. Wilton Littlechild CC AOE MSC KC (born 1944), known as Willie Littlechild, is a Canadian lawyer and Cree chief who was Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and a member of Parliament. A residential school survivor, he is known for his work nationally and internationally on Indigenous rights. He was born in Hobbema, now named Maskwacis, Alberta.

Dr. Littlechild graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree then obtained a master's degree in physical education from the University of Alberta. During his time in university, he played on the hockey and swimming teams. He later became the first status Indian from Alberta to obtain a law degree, which was earned at the University of Alberta in 1976.

Pamela McCoy Jones is Anishinaabe from Wawa, Ontario with family in Michipicoten First Nation (on her mother’s side) and Batchewana First Nation (on her father’s side). She is a mother of four and lives in Stony Plain on Treaty Six territory.

She is the Executive Director at the University of Alberta, leading the efforts to Support Indigenous Language Revitalization (SILR) and incorporates Indigenous worldviews and practices into strategic planning, program development, implementation and evaluation design. Her approach fosters collaboration and relationality, ensuring the voices and perspectives of Indigenous people are at the forefront of all initiatives.

Pamela received her Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies from the University of Alberta and her Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration at Athabasca University.

This special presentation is brought to you by the Augustana Campus of The University of Alberta in partnership with Supporting Indigenous Language Revitilization and moderated by SILR's executive director, Pamela McCoy-Jones.