Language transition(s): School responses to recent changes in language choice in a northern Dene community (Canada)

Abstract

This chapter presents the efforts of two Dene Sųłiné communities in Northern Saskatchewan and their respective schools to keep the aboriginal language vital in the face of growing bilingualism between Dene and English. The Dene transitional immersion program is introduced, as well as community reactions to its implementation at school. The changing language ecologies of the communities and especially the young generation are discussed, mentioning youth language and code-mixing as part of current language choice.