Language Classes on again at the Galt

A sign displaying the Blackfoot word Oki, the official greeting of the City of Lethbridge.

Lethbridge—Lethbridge residents have flocked to the Blackfoot language classes offered at the Galt Museum & Archives over the past year. We are pleased to announce that we will be starting a new set of Blackfoot language classes on November 14 at 7 pm.

The Galt has partnered with Blackfoot language expert Julius Delaney to provide the classes. Delaney also created a language curriculum with the Kainai Board of Education. His expertise is valuable to the people taking these language classes at the Galt.

Over the past sessions, we have seen dozens of participants attending and learning conversational phrases in Blackfoot. A feature of language learning is also cultural learning. “One of the invaluable parts of hosting Blackfoot language classes as a museum,” says Executive Director/CEO Susan Burrows-Johnson, “is the learning of culture, history, respect and appreciation as part of learning a language.”

“Words and phrases are developed and evolve out of cultural context,” says Community Program Coordinator Janae Redgrave. “We may not perceive it while speaking our primary languages, but when you start looking at your language through another lens, it becomes clear very quickly that words communicate through shared culture. Context intimately informs language.”

The Blackfoot language classes have attracted significant interest and attendance, which has led to the Glat hosting this class for the third time. Funding for this program has been provided by Government of Canada. The classes will be held every Thursday evening from November 14 to January 23, except for December 26 and January 2. Attendees do not have to register for the sessions. The cost to attend the classes is included in admission to the museum; annual pass holders can participate for free. You can find more information about our programs, classes and events at www.galtmuseum.com.

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This media release can be found at www.galtmuseum.com/news.

Media Contact:

Graham Ruttan (he/him)
Marketing and Communications Officer
Galt Museum & Archives | Fort Whoop-Up
graham.ruttan@galtmuseum.com
403.320.4009