Kieran Young is helping bring the Cree language back to young people in Lloydminster.
He teaches Cree at Jack Kemp School and the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre (LNFC) to give children opportunities he didn’t have growing up.
“It’s really important for me to teach Cree because when I was that age, I wish someone taught me Cree,” said Young. “I wish someone was able to teach me Cree as I’m teaching it right now.”
Read more: Kids teaching kids at Jack Kemp
Young first began teaching in November 2024 as a volunteer.
“I wasn’t getting paid, I wasn’t benefitting from it,” he said.
He taught kids aged 8 to 11 on Tuesdays and 11 to 16 on Wednesdays. After the new year, he focused on the younger group and added a youth class on Wednesdays at the LNFC, now also teaching at Jack Kemp.
“I have a very good relationship with the principal at Jack Kemp,” he said.
Principal Elena Brand says Young’s program is a great addition.
“It’s great to have Kieran here,” she said. “It’s a great connection with the friendship centre here in town. We’re able to teach Cree in a club atmosphere, something fun. The kids are learning a language through games and songs, and it gives them a great introduction to Cree without being a formal class.”
The classes aren’t just about words — they’re about culture, too.
“Our language is not just our language, but it’s our way of life. There’s words in Cree that you won’t understand because there’s no translation for it in English,” said Young, noting he learned some Cree from his mother growing up.
“Just some slang words, some command words like, ‘Come do the dishes,’ ” he said.
Later, he deepened his learning at the University of Saskatchewan with support from professor Randy Morin.
“I still let him know I’m teaching Cree classes,” he said.
Young’s dad, Mike, a fluent speaker, also helps him learn.
“The way he teaches me is literal translations. When you say namôya nânitaw to somebody and translate it in English, it’s ‘I’m fine,’ but what it literally means is, ‘Bad, I am not doing,’” said Young, noting some students are fast learners.
“They can throw their tongue,” said Young, meaning they can shape their mouths to new sounds.
At Jack Kemp, Brand believes all students benefit.
“It’s our history. It’s Canada’s history. We are part of Treaty 6. We have a whole variety of nationalities of students who are trying Cree,” she said, encouraging parents to get involved.
“It’s such a great opportunity,” she said. “There are Cree classes at the friendship centre that adults could take as well.”
Young says learning is only half the battle for the kids and hopes they continue well after the final bell of the school year.
“You got to keep practising; at least 20 minutes a day. It’s like working out … you start losing that ability to speak your language.”
Read more: It’s Métis 101 at Jack Kemp
