NL·LISTEN UP

Language Lost: Labrador teen feels like a 'piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit'

Even in a room full of her family members, 15-year-old Shaia Davis often feels alone because she doesn't speak their language, Innu-aimun.

Why Shaia Davis of Sheshatshiu feels that a big part of her Innu Culture is missing

Various photos of Shaia Davis over the years. Top right, her grandmother, Elizabeth Penashue. Bottom right, Shaia's family: Petshish Jack, Nikashantess Penashue, Kanani Davis, Bud Davis, Shaia Davis and Matthew Davis (and dog Koko!) (Submitted by Kanani Davis, photography by Alexandria Sheppard )

Shaia Davis of Sheshatshui, Labrador, says she feels as though part of her culture is missing. 

She has a passion for creative writing, and recently wrote an essay about what it feels like to be disconnected from the language spoken by so many of her family members: Innu-aimun. 

"If we lose our language, we are losing a part of our culture which may not be found again" writes Davis, 15. 

Davis was in St. John's recently and came into the CBC studios to read her essay. 

Click the player to hear Shaia: 

About Listen Up 

We're delighted to bring you a new series about teenagers in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

With Listen Up, you'll hear teens tell their own stories, in their own words. 

For the coming weeks, Listen Up airs Thursdays on your local CBC Radio morning show in Newfoundland and Labrador.

We'll also be posting the stories here online, and sharing them on social media. 

Would you like to take part? Click here to send us a pitch note about your story.

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