National Indigenous Languages Day - March 31

Posted On Wednesday March 27, 2024

On Indigenous Languages Day, we honour the rich tapestry of Indigenous languages that shape our nation's heritage. Did you know the name 'Keyano' is derived from the Cree word 'kiyânaw,' meaning 'we, us, our'? On this day, we reflect back to May 9, 1975, a pivotal moment in our history when we embraced the name Keyano College, signifying a new era of inclusivity and community.

In the spirit of 'kiyânaw,' we remember the words of our College President, Doug Schmitt, during the unveiling of a statue that now stands proudly at our SEIC campus. He spoke of Keyano as a 'people's college,' a commitment to education that belongs to and serves the community. This ethos is at the heart of who we are.

We also pay tribute to Elder Robert Cree, a respected knowledge and language holder in our community, who generously offered the name Keyano. His contribution reminds us of the profound connection between language, identity, and community.

As we share archival moments of the name change and the unveiling ceremony, featuring Mayor Chuck Knight and President Doug Schmitt, let's renew our commitment to not just preserving Indigenous languages but also embracing the values they represent.