Books to preserve the Mohawk language in Kahnawake offered to children

To protect and pass on Kanien’kéha, the Mohawk language, children between ages 0 to 48 months in Kahnawake all received a collection of three nursery rhyme books in July. A total of 3 000 books were printed. “Kanien’kéha is an endangered language, says Front Porch Publishing editing company. And there are presently few children’s books published in Mohawk and none in board book format.” The collection is part of a 5-year strategic plan initiated in the Kahnawake community to revitalize the Mohawk language. Illustrators, graphic artists, translators and an administrative team all volunteered for the project. The three books titled Takwa’ahshon (Itsy Bitsy Spider), Akeràhkwa (You are My Sunshine) and Otsito Otsito Teiohawaàthe (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) can be purchased for $10 each online at klibrary.ca.