'She has a passion for it:' How one teacher is preserving the Wolastoqey language

This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You cansee more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.

Preserving the language is about more than just learning a new vocabulary, Ann Paul says.

That's why she loves Kelsey Nash-Solomon's approach to teaching the Wolastoqey language.

Nash-Solomon takes learners through a first level of understanding but then provides the opportunity for more advanced learning, tackling phrases, grammar, prayers and sentences.

WATCH | See Nash-Solomon teach a class:

Anns Eye: See a Wolastoqey language teacher in action

13 days ago

Duration 3:14

Kelsey Nash-Solomon has been teaching the Wolastoqey language for 11 years. Her classes go beyond basic vocabulary, to more advanced speaking, in order to preserve the language.

"It's not just about words, it's the language," said Ann Paul, who went to one of Nash-Solomon's classes for CBC."Anybody can say a word. In order for the language to keep on, you have to put all those words together.

"I really love that she has a passion for it. We need people who have passion for different things, so we can get more done."

Scroll through the photos and watch the video to see more of Nash-Solomon's class.

Ann's Eye

Photographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick.Click hereor on the image below to see more of her work.