Language Preservation: Importance of Indigenous Language, Land, and Life-Practices

This talk will offer perspective on critical themes and Indigenous cultural and life practices inspired by the reading of A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power. Presenter Dr. Brian Waabishki-makwa McInnes will draw from his life experience as an Indigenous person involved in cultural and linguistic revitalization.

About the Presenter

Dr. Brian Waabishki-makwa McInnes is a professional educator dedicated to diversity education, language and culture revitalization, and the protection and care of traditional landscapes. A member of the Wasauksing First Nation, Brian has a deep interest in the preservation of Indigenous cultures and languages and is an accomplished speaker, presenter, and writer in English and Ojibwe. Dr. McInnes is a professor of environmental humanities with the University of Wisconsin, with appointments at both the Eau Claire and Madison campuses. He previously served as a professor of Education, and a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Minnesota.

No registration required.

Program Sponsors

Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Mayo Clinic Health System, Chippewa Valley Museum and the Wisconsin Humanities*.

*Funded in part by a grant from Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Wisconsin Humanities strengthens our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.