Barbara Nolan appointed language commissioner for Anishinabek Nation

Garden River First Nation’s Barbara Nolan has been appointed language commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation after decades of working to revitalize Anishinaabemowin. 

Nolan consults with First Nations and Indigenous communities on effective development of language nests and immersion programs, and trains Anishinaabemowin speakers in methods of immersion instruction. 

“Her role at the Anishinabek Nation, much like the language carriers in our communities, is critical and integral to language preservation as our language has been endangered since colonization,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare in a press release issued by Anishinabek Nation earlier this week. “She carries with her accumulated knowledge and wisdom of many generations before us and will deeply enrich our knowledge and appreciation for our beautiful language.”

Garden River First Nation Chief Andy Rickard issued a statement on behalf of his community Wednesday, congratulating Nolan on her appointment. 

“Barb’s appointment as the language commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation is a testament to her years of commitment and dedication to transfer language knowledge to young and old alike,” reads the release. “We are extremely proud of her and congratulate Barb’s appointment, and recognize that she will lead the grand council in fostering and promoting the critical importance in the survival of our language.” 

Nolan teaches Anishinaabemowin immersion on a part-time basis at the Garden River Child Care Centre, and has developed the Nishnaabemdaa, an Anishinaabemowin language app available for iOS and Android devices.

“We are currently in the midst of an inspiring period of healing and nation-building. Through language, we can connect with the rest of our culture. It is a way of having our identity whole again,” said Nolan via news release. “I hope to contribute in a positive way to these efforts to reclaim our voice, our identity.” 

“Together, we can reclaim our language.”

Anishinabek Nation is a political advocacy body representing 39 First Nations across Ontario.