Words Matter: Thomas on a journey to reclaim Mi'kmaw language

Mi'kmawpoet, published author, educator andactivist Rebecca Thomas uses words for a living, but she can't speak the language stolen from her father at residential school.

In a new documentary Words Matter, Thomasfollows her journey to reclaim the language while exploring the complicated past that's kept it from her.

The documentary, launched on National Indigenous Peoples Day, is now streaming on CBCGem. It is directed by Stephanie Joline.

It is released In English and Mi'kmaw, with English subtitles whenever Mi'kmaw is spokenand with Mi'kmawsubtitles when English is spoken.

Thomas is aMi'kmawwriter fromLennox Island, and is based in Nova Scotia.She was the Halifax poet laureate from 2016 to 2018.

Shespoke withCBC Nova Scotia's Information Morning host Portia Clark about Words Matter.

I am warmed in my heart to hear how frequent (the Mi'kmawlanguage) is spoken. It gives me a lot of hope.- Rebecca Thomas

Klusuaqnn Ajkne'kl
L'nu'skw, nuji-wi'kiket Rebecca Thomasewe'wkl klusuaqann ukjit ta'n teli-ktukulit, katu mu kisi-weketuk uktli'sutim, tli'suti wutjl ta'n etli-kemutmup residential school-k. Ajkine'kl klusuaqann, majukkwalatl ta'n teli-apijite'tk uktli'sutim.