Ititwewiniwak: Language Warriors—The Young Women's Circle of Leadership

Abstract

Taiaiake Alfred (2005) reminds us of the fight that Indigenous warriors engage in andthe tools that they will need for this time ahead: "The battle is for the reclamation ofan Onkwehonwe spirit, mentality, and way of being in the world. In this context, oursurvival as peoples is dependent upon the survival and revitalization of Indigenouslanguages" (p. 247). In this article, we reflect on Alfred's words as we write about agroup of young women who are taking on their own journeys as language warriors inthese contemporary and conflicted times. Through an intensive summer program ofCree language, creative theatre, storytelling, traditional and contemporary arts, com­puters, and woodworking, these youth fight to regenerate themselves and their people.These Iyiniwoskinikiskwewak (young women) will be the future contributing membersof their communities (Mamawi-owicihtdsowin), proud of their culture and able to standconfidently as they lead others in cultural and linguistic revitalization.