Sault Ste. Marie honours Wiikwemkoong woman for efforts preserving Anishnaabemowin

'I've been involved with language wherever, whenever and however' says Barbara Nolan

For five decades Barbara Nolan has put her life into preserving Anishnaabemowin, and she was recently recognized for her efforts by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. 

Nolan, who is originally from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, was given the city's medal of merit, its highest distinction given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the community. 

"I was just taken aback by it and I just feel so honoured," said Nolan. 

"Since 1972, I've been involved in language wherever, whenever and however."

The City of Sault Ste Marie has announced a new recipient for its Medal of Merit. Elder Barbara Nolan is being recognized by the city for her leadership and contributions to the region. Nolan lives in Garden River First Nation, and is best known as an advocate for the revitalization of the Anishinaabemowin language. Jonathan reached Barbara this week to talk about the medal - and her work. He started by asking her how she found out she was being honoured. 8:15

When Nolan was five, she and her sisters were sent to residential school in Spanish, Ont. She said they went home during the summer and for Christmas, which helped keep her connected to the language and culture despite the school's attempts to assimilate her. 

While working as a child and family counsellor for the school board in Sault Ste. Marie, she said children from Garden River First Nation would tell her they didn't like learning French because it wasn't their language.

Read the full article on CBC.ca.