10th annual Language Keepers Conference starts today in Saskatoon

For the past decade, First Nations people have been gathering each year in Saskatoon to talk about how they can preserve and promote their indigenous languages.

This year the theme is "Stories from the Community: Celebrating Language Success".

Dorothy Myo, president of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, is excited to be hosting the conference.

"The whole two days we speak different languages because we try and showcase the development and the work that's happening in the community," Myo said.

Twenty language-related workshops will focus on community language projects.

Myo said the conference has influenced the promotion and preservation of language in numerous ways. For example, participants have exchanged information on the use of technology such as smartphone apps. Learners can now see and hear words in their indigenous language on their smartphones.

People at this year's conference will hear about using film to promote language learning.

The conference runs today and tomorrow at the Saskatoon Inn.

A traditional round dance will also be held this evening at 7 p.m. at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge.