Millie Thrasher examines an orange Sallirmiutun dictionary in her Paulatuk home, indicating the translation for “mother” on page 80 as “Amaamak.” Delving further, she attempts to articulate the Inuvialuktun dialect’s phrase for “he sent it by my mother,” emphasizing the importance of saying the words accurately for effective communication.
Sallirmiutun, one of three Inuvialuktun dialects, serves as the language for residents in Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, and Tuktoyaktuk in coastal N.W.T. According to the N.W.T. Bureau of Statistics, approximately 411 individuals are conversant in Inuvialuktun, with an estimated 200 speakers of the Sallirmiutun dialect.
Thrasher dedicates herself to solo language practice, expressing her love for Inuvialuktun fluency despite the challenges posed by the diminishing number of fluent speakers, including her late sister-in-law, with whom she used to refine pronunciation.
In Paulatuk, elder Lily-Ann Green laments the dwindling number of fluent speakers in her community, with only a handful remaining. Both Green and Thrasher stress the significance of preserving the language through education at home, in schools, and even incorporating it into daily interactions.
In Tuktoyaktuk, efforts to teach Sallirmiutun have gained momentum through regular gatherings in a traditional sod house, fostering a conducive environment for language learning. Darrel Nasogaluak, chair of the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, credits the success of language classes to the welcoming space provided by the sod house, promoting engagement among elders and community members.
While challenges persist, there is a sense of optimism for language revitalization, as evidenced by the increasing participation in classes and the community’s growing fluency in Sallirmiutun. Emily Angulalik, from the Kitikmeot Heritage Society, emphasizes the value of spending time with fluent speakers and engaging in cultural activities to enhance language learning.
Despite the obstacles, Green and Thrasher remain steadfast in their determination to revitalize Sallirmiutun in their community, advocating for more support and resources to ensure the preservation and promotion of their ancestral language.