Several members of the Sociolinguistics Cluster held a seminar with 40 researchers and doctoral students from Canada. The seminar dealt with minority languages revitalization and was held on January 19 at the Martin Ugalde Cultural Park in Andoain, at the initiative and organization of Dr. Lorna Williams (University of Victoria) and Dr. Paula Laita (Soziolinguistika Klusterra). The participants gathered in a sharing circle. A methodology based on indigenous education was used to exchange knowledge, experiences and opinions among its members with different rituals and special practices.

Dr. Lorna Williams is Professor Emeritus of Indigenous Education and Linguistics at the University of Victoria and chairs the Linguistic Education and Research Canada committee. She developed Indigenous language revitalization programs using traditional teaching and learning practices. Her courses were also revolutionary for including indigenous pedagogy, spiritual leaders and knowledge managers. In Canada she has greatly contributed to strengthening language recovery and revitalization processes.

In her words: "Today we made such profound connections between people. We heard the stories of the Basque language and people, their resolve and commitment to their language and world, we learned of the European and world context of the language and we learned of the connections to Canada in the work to revitalize and to keep the language strong. It is important to share these stories of strength in communities of kindness".

Source: https://soziolinguistika.eus/eu/2023/01/23/hizkuntza-gutxituen-biziberritzeari-buruzko-mintegia-kanadako-doktoregai-eta-ikerlariekin/