Voices of Future Generations English - Blog #Culture

Celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with a Magical Journey in Finding the Language by Indigenous Child Author Adelyn Newman-Ting

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 09:14:21 +0400

As we honor the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples today, it's an opportune moment to celebrate the vibrant cultures and languages that enrich our world. One remarkable way to do this is by diving into the pages of "Finding the Language," a captivating book written

by Indigenous child author Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting. This enchanting story not only entertains but also educates young readers about the vital connection between language, land, and cultural preservation.

A Magical Adventure Awaits

In "Finding the Language," we follow the endearing characters of Kesugilakw (Kesu) and Bob, who have shared a deep friendship since infancy. Their journey begins as they venture into the forest, a place that transforms into a realm of magic and wonder. Here, they encounter gwa’wiña, a raven, and u’ligaan, a wise wolf. Both animals can speak and understand the children, making for a profound and enlightening dialogue. The narrative unfolds as gwa’wiña and u’ligaan reveal to Kesu and Bob the critical role the land plays in creating Indigenous languages and the looming threats to both. Through these conversations, readers are introduced to the idea that languages and lands are not just cultural artifacts but vital components of the Indigenous identity that need safeguarding.

Empowering the Next Generation

Adelyn Newman-Ting’s storytelling brilliance shines as Kesu, Bob, gwa’wiña, and u’ligaan collaborate to raise awareness among their community's children. They come together to educate their peers about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations, particularly Goals 4 and 13. Goal 4 emphasizes the need for inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, while Goal 13 urges us to combat climate change and its impacts. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of global awareness and action, showing young readers how they can contribute to these critical goals. By intertwining the narrative with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Adelyn not only honors

these rights but also empowers children to recognize and advocate for the preservation of Indigenous languages and lands.

Cultural and Linguistic Richness

What sets "Finding the Language" apart is its use of Kwakwala, an Indigenous language, which Adelyn weaves seamlessly into the story. This linguistic inclusion serves to immerse readers in the cultural richness and beauty of the language, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding. Through this integration, Adelyn emphasizes the significance of language preservation and the cultural heritage that it represents.

A Call to Action

"Finding the Language" is more than just a book; it is a powerful tool for education and advocacy. It encourages readers, especially young ones, to reflect on the importance of preserving both Indigenous languages and the natural world. The story’s message resonates with the spirit of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples by highlighting the intertwined fates of language, land, and identity. As we celebrate today, let us take inspiration from Adelyn Sophie Newman-Ting’s heartfelt work and remember that each of us has a role to play in supporting and preserving the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and languages. "Finding the Language" is a wonderful starting point for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the profound connections between our world’s diverse cultures and the natural environment that sustains them.

By exploring and sharing stories like this, we contribute to a global conversation about respect, preservation, and action—a conversation that must continue every day of the year.

Link to the book: https ://www.vofg.org/findinglanguage

About the author:

Adelyn “Addy” Sophie Newman-Ting is the junior editor of Harmony Online Journal and a student of St Micheal’s University School in Victoria, British Columbia. She is a gold award-winning Indigenous Child Author of ‘Finding the Language’ in the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative. On her father’s side, she is Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish Indigenous, as well as English, Irish, and Scottish, and on her mother’s side, she is Chinese from Taiwan. Her Indigenous name is Kesugilakw meaning leader of people, and her Chinese name is Ting Li-Wen meaning pretty flower cloud. Addy enjoys dancing, baking, jump roping, and singing. She is also an avid reader, writer, and artist, who loves to spend time with her puppy Harriet. Addy hopes that her book will raise awareness for the climate, and the importance of saving Indigenous languages and cultures.

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International Youth Day - the voice of Habiba Al Mar'ashi

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:21:04 +0400

International Youth Day is celebrated every year on the 12th of August, and this day, the world comes together to celebrate and draw attention to the different issues surrounding the youth. The theme for IYD 2020 is "Youth Engagement for Global Action," which explores how young members of the community, like you, can help make a difference.

Our world is continuously evolving, and our lives continue to be shaped by the effects of globalisation. Today, our life is something far beyond ourselves alone – our choices and actions impact an entire global community, and this has been more evident than ever during this pandemic. I think we can all agree on the fact that at some point, we have hoped to see ourselves as part of the Avengers squad, or just saving the world in one way or another, but how would you like to turn this into reality? Now, this is probably an overused question, but where do you see yourself in, say, 20 years? You may have vivid ideas in your mind – you may dream of becoming a successful scientist, doctor, entrepreneur, business executive, entertainer, lawyer – the opportunities are plenty! The world that we live in today is quite turbulent, with an ongoing pandemic, climate change, economic instabilities, and so many humanitarian crises.

As future leaders of tomorrow, you will come to realise that the life path that you build for yourself is inevitably going to impact your community and the environment. If you are reading this little excerpt, you, my friend, are privileged and blessed with the fruits of education and technology. But what about millions of people like you who lack these facilities? What would their future look like?

My advice to you is this – we are no longer in a world where we can afford to get by with just selfish ambitions. In whatever life path you choose for yourself, try to make an effort and extend support to uplift those around you. Make use of these opportunities that you have to build yourself as a person and a student. Engage yourself in community issues, and contribute towards your society in whatever small way you can. Today, we are all striving to achieve the targets set by the UN SDGs and help build back better, but the future of this world is in your hands. Aim to be something extraordinary, to impact something beyond yourselves. Make this world a better, happier place for all of us.

Voice of Habiba Al Mar'ashi

Habiba Al Mar'ashi is an Emirati environmentalist and the Founder and Chairperson of the esteemed Emirates Environmental Group in 1991. In 2004, she also founded the Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN), devoted to corporate social responsibility across the Arab region and in 2006 she co-founded The Emirates Green Building Council. Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi is a monthly contributor at the Khaleej Times, where she shares some valuable insights on collectively building a cleaner, greener community in the UAE. She is also devoted to promoting sustainable habits and environmental awareness amongst the youth – the leaders of tomorrow. Through a cluster of annual educational programmes that cover the UAE and the wider Arab Region.

International Day for Indigenous People - the voice of Tony Juniper

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:28:26 +0400

Our world today is a tapestry woven of threads of history, culture and ideas that stretch back to dawn of humankind.

I live in England, and sometimes try to imagine what people who lived here thousands of years ago would have thought and believed. I wonder if they might have been like some of the people I have met on my travels in the tropical rainforests, living in tribal groups, hunting game and collecting wild fruits and vegetables. Those people today still depend directly on the natural world, and that is why they treat the forest with reverence. Their Gods often take the form of animals.

In the modern world, where the vast majority of us do not regard ourselves as ‘indigenous’ and mostly live in towns and cities, peoples nonetheless still rely on Nature for their wellbeing. For our food, water, air and spiritual renewal, we depend on the cycles and processes of the Biosphere, just as much as Indians who dwell in the depths of the Amazon rainforests.

As we face the twin threats of climate change and ecosystem collapse, we might do well to seek inspiration from the peoples who once lived in lands now transformed by modern humans. What was their culture, who were their Gods, what was the land like thousands of years ago, when they lived where we live today? What would their leaders have said about pollution and the destruction of Nature?

Might their views be relevant today, and if so, perhaps we should listen more to the remaining indigenous peoples. Their message might tell us something profoundly important, including the fact that even those of us living in the highest skycrapers are still children of Nature.

Favourite childhood book? Observers Book of Birds’ Eggs

Favourite book right now? The Great Fen by Alan Bowley

Favourite lesson at school? Biology

Favourite animal/lifeform? Common Swift

Favourite hero/heroine? Chico Mendes

Tony Juniper CBE is Chair of the official Nature conservation agency Natural England. He is the author of many books, including What has Nature ever done for us? (2013) and Rainforest (2018). He has worked with many conservation organisations, including as the Director of Friends of the Earth, President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and Executive Director at WWF. He is a former sustainability advisor to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

“Diversity .. Brings Us Together” - the voice of Hessa Almehairi

Sat, 23 May 2020 14:45:08 +0400

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Let me give you a little secret, I spent 12 years as student in school repeating “I would be anything but a teacher”! and guess what?! I’m a teacher from 10 years and can’t be proud enough! On the other hand, I totally believe that it was my fate! After spending so many years with the children in schools, I could see how similar their reactions are, yet so different in personalities and cultures. There was a time when I truly believed that I was fated to be a kindergarten teacher for a bigger reason. Didn’t know what it was, but kept searching for it.

Until one day in school, I had a child who was different in the eyes of his friends! For me, he was different too! But in a very inspiring way! My job at that time was to help the rest of the children to know and see through their hearts, that it doesn’t matter how different we look from each other, or how strange we behave sometimes, because we are all special in our own way!

It was a tough year for all of us, the children and I. Nevertheless, I was so proud that they graduated knowing and fully understanding how diversity can bring us together! The love, tolerance and support they gave that little child, helped us all to grow emotionally and socially!

So “The Dinoraf” story was born! It was the bigger reason for becoming a teacher that I was looking for! It was the massage I wanted to send to all the children in the world and their parents! That diversity in cultures, in traditions, in looks, in personalities are what makes each of us unique! As much as we are different from each other, as much as we are interested in each other!

So, no matter where we come from or what we belong to, we can live peaceful life together. We can all focus on universal goals, that create tolerant environment which leads to sustainability and maintain the level of safety in life. As H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said “Tolerance increases strength and resilience, and help establish a global cohesive society” . Therefore, my little readers .. open your eyes .. unleash your creativity .. think extraordinary plots, because we are not meant to be normal! Find your message, as I found mine .. and send it peacefully to the world to unify us and bring us all together!

Reference:

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (2015) Quotes, Available at: https://sheikhmohammed.ae/en-us/quotes (Accessed: 22-May-2020).

Voice of Hessa Almehairi

Hessa Almehairi is an author and illustrator in children’s literature. She obtained a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education and a Double Master degree in Management and Education Policy from DEKIN University. She also recently joined Academy of Art University in San-Francisco to specialize in children’s books illustrations in order to produce the finest Emirati children’s books. She participated in the Emirates Festival of Literature and presented many reading sessions for children in various schools and libraries.

One of the most important achievements of the author is that her story "The Dinoraf" won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in 2018. Later, the story was nominated for translation in three languages and was launched in Frankfurt International Book Fair in 2019.

For Contact:

Email: hessa.almehairi@live.com

Instagram: @hessa_illa