Friday

Marc Miller stood before the House of Commons Thursday and made history by giving a speech entirely in the Mohawk language.

 The Montreal-based MP has been learning Kanyen’kéha — the Mohawk language — since January and wanted to make a point about preserving Canada’s indigenous culture.

“Today, for the beginning of Aboriginal History Month, I spoke to the House in Kanyen’kéha, the language of the Mohawk people on whose traditional land my riding is situated,” said Miller, in a statement released Thursday. “It is the result of a personal journey to learn a new language and to raise awareness of indigenous languages in Canada.”

The short speech marked the first time an MP delivered a speech in Kanyen’kéha and it is one of the few times in Canadian history that the language has been spoken in Parliament. In it, Miller pays homage to the Mohawk people and encourages more Canadians to learn about indigenous languages.

Thus far, reaction to Miller’s speech seems mostly positive.

“I applaud his efforts and it’s very respectful,” said Akwiratékha’ Martin, who teaches the language at Kahnawake’s Mohawk immersion school. “I hope that he continue using the language in his job. But most of all, I wish that he help get all (indigenous language) programs funded that are not recognized or funded by his government. I’m sure that he knows now that for us speaking our language is medicine and heals a part of our spirit.”


One of Martin’s students seemed overjoyed about the speech.

“Holy (expletive) you guys see this? He’s actually not that bad,” wrote Mohawk language student Kaniehtiio Horn, in a Facebook post. “He took the time to show respect. Mad props MP dude Marc Miller.”

Others pointed to the powerful symbolism of Miller’s gesture.

“I just shared this with a group of traditional elders here on the (West Coast),” wrote Teka Everstz, on Facebook. “They all had to pick up their jaws from the table… this is historical.”


“It’s an emotional journey for anyone to learn a language. You’re out of your comfort zone, you feel insecure, you feel stupid any time you get something wrong,” said Miller, the Liberal MP for Ville-Marie-Le-Sud-Ouest-Île-des-Soeurs. “In terms of learning Mohawk, it’s extremely intricate, it’s extremely colourful in the way it expresses ideas. The words are super long, sometimes you have a 25-letter word, which is difficult in and of itself.

“What we’ve learned by doing our tour with (Indigenous Affairs Minister) Carolyn Bennett is that the elders are saying that, within a generation, the majority of first languages will be wiped out. It’s an alarm bell.”

Of the roughly 30,000 Mohawks who live in North America, only about 3,000 are fluent speakers of the language.

VIDEO

Responses to "Canadian politician made history by giving a speech entirely in the Mohawk language"

  1. Anonymous says:

    How awesome. Our Language is beautiful. It brought me to tears to hear this being said. I thank Mr. Miller for giving homage to our culture. Skennen ko:wa

  2. With SSTTRROONNGG Canadian English accent.

  3. Yugan says:

    This is wonderful! First People in Taiwan are striving to preserve their ancient languages, so this is a splendid example. Even if his accent was not perfect, he made the effort. Mhway simu balay! (thank you)

  4. Hazel says:

    I am so moved. A beautiful, honourable example. Now some policy to back it up, please. Instruction in the language of the traditional territory where a school is located. Hire the elders for singing, story-telling to all the children.

  5. Adrian says:

    more needs to be done for sure

  6. Anonymous says:

    Wow, What a solid. True strong Integrity in this man. Must do much good for his riding. Wish my Rep did something like that but has had his turns working for us, Kenora-Rainy River Bob Nault.

  7. Joseph says:

    New Democratic Party MP Romeo Saganash stood in Parliament last week and spoke in his language, Cree. Why was that not applauded as an historic occasion? Is it only when a white guy does it that it is newsworthy?

  8. Anonymous says:

    C Stevenson.. who cares.
    I too my hat and applaud the act of respect. Taho

  9. Unknown says:

    Right on! Even if it wasn't perfect, it's a good thing to see and hear. It is good ANYTIME soneone speaks our language in the halls of white power.

  10. Anonymous says:

    What a beautiful step in the right direction. I teared up. I hope he's a good partner to you all and brings more excellent leadership. From a gal in WA state, USA.

  11. Anonymous says:

    I applaud him for his actions. This is definitely a step into the right direction for not only him, but for Canada as a whole. Had this been done even fifty years ago, the reactions would have not been the same, infact the responses would have been very negative. This clip truly shows us how far Canada has come.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Who are those people who refused to stand and applaud?

  13. Kynthia says:

    A ho.

  14. Hey, that's not ChinEnglish?

  15. I also Applauded after watching the Video... a beautiful and a brave gesture which met with a positive response and respect...

  16. Go raibh Maith agat ☘️☘️☘️������������������☝️��

  17. Unknown says:

    Excellently done to him and NDP MP Romeo Saganash who spoke in Cree, recently, on the floor recently. It's a big step in the right direction and shows how far this great country has come.

  18. ReeGee says:

    It's about time. I'm sure it wasn't perfect, but nice to see someone is finally making a long overdue effort. I hope this continues. I think this should be taught in school too, or perhaps make it a choice, so French isn't the only one. I think this could create some fantastic opportunities for non-native speakers to be taught by native speakers, who could also teach history - the true history of Indigenous populations.

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