Saulteaux
is a distinct dialect of Ojibwa and with the passage of
time sub-dialects have evolved. The dialect of Saulteaux
spoken in Saskatchewan has been influenced by their Cree
neighbours and is unique. Further, each of the ten Saulteaux
First Nations has their own unique community dialect. However,
given their minority status among First Nations in Saskatchewan
and the effects of colonialism, their language is in an
critical state today. Only a small percentage of the total
Saulteaux population can speak their language fluently and
nearly all of those are over the age of 30. The statistics
are as follows:
| |
|
Speakers
by Age Group |
|
Band
Name |
Membership |
Age
4-16 |
Age
17-30 |
Age
30+ |
%
fluent |
| Cote |
2,800 |
0 |
0 |
17 |
0.60% |
| Fishing
Lake |
1,170 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
1.20% |
| Keeseekoose |
1,700 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0.60% |
| Key |
980 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
1.00% |
| Kinistin |
755 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
2.00% |
| Muscowpetung |
1,054 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0.40% |
| Muskowekwan |
1,257 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
2.00% |
| Pasqua |
1,054 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0.40% |
| Sakimay |
1,292 |
0 |
0 |
31 |
2.30% |
| Yellow
Quill |
2,256 |
0 |
15 |
45 |
3.00% |
Total |
14,318 |
0 |
15 |
159 |
1.20% |
The
communities contend that the statistical sources used by
AFN and RCAP do not reflect Saskatchewan realities. The
main source used is taken from a 1990 House of Commons report
"You Took My Talk: Aboriginal Literacy and Empowerment",
which does not identify Saulteaux as a distinct dialect
of Ojibwa. They contend that Saulteaux differs significantly
from the dialect of Ojibwa spoken in eastern Canada and
should be recognised as a separate and distinct dialect.
Further, they question the validity of the AFN and RCAP
sources.
Given
the nature of language use surveys, in a general sense their
validity is highly questionable. The question “do
you speak your language” is open to individual interpretation.
Some people may feel they can speak their language although
they may only know 20 words. The same holds true for questions
about “home language.” Some people may say it
is their home language, based on the fact they are of Saulteaux
heritage and occasionally they have visitors who know the
language. Most Saulteaux people have a strong sense of Saulteaux
identity and are embarrassed by the fact they are not fluent
in the language. To publicly admit that one does not know
their language is a real blow to the ego and ones identity.
