Sustaining Indigenous languages and cultures: Māori medium education in Aotearoa New Zealand and Aboriginal Head Start in Canada

Abstract

In this paper, we examine stakeholder initiatives to revitalise Indigenous languages in two countries, Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada, the countries in which we live and conduct research. We provide a brief overview of the history of systematic Indigenous language and cultural suppression within our two countries, situating Māori Medium Education in Aotearoa New Zealand and Aboriginal Head Start in Canada; initiatives designed to revitalise and sustain Indigenous languages and cultures through the education of children within their generally parallel historical, social and political contexts. We draw on semi-structured interviews and focus group conversations to highlight perspectives of Māori family members and students in Māori Medium Education and of Anishnaabek early childhood educators in northern Ontario Aboriginal Head Start programs. Participants indicate that these programs are making a difference in revitalising and sustaining Indigenous languages and cultures. Our comparison of positive outcomes and challenges that need to be addressed, based on stakeholders participating in initiatives in two countries, can inform broader conversations about Indigenous language revitalisation through initiatives focusing on early childhood education.