Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
PREMIERE OF ANISHINAABEMOWIN VERSION OF STAR WARS
Centennial Concert Hall
Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
(please check against delivery)
Lovers of movies and lovers of the Anishinaabemowin (ANISH-A-ABE-MOW-WIN) language, people of our beautiful blue green planet – it’s a pleasure to join you today for this journey to a galaxy a long time ago and far, far away.
What a special day this is for children and elders, scholars and film artists and fans of all ages to come together and launch a piece of movie history – here in the heart of Treaty One territory.
This province — home to Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene, Nehetho
(NE-HET-HO) Nation, Inuit and Red River Metis people – is the perfect place to celebrate translation of one of the world’s most popular movies into an Indigenous language.
As somebody who remembers watching Star Wars and its sequels and prequels with my own children and grandchildren, I know that the film we’re about to watch has an important place in the history of film. And I know it has inspired countless storytellers in film and print and new media.
That global popularity makes an Anishinaabemowin (ANISH-A-ABE-MOW-WIN) version of Star Wars a wonderful opportunity to support and encourage Indigenous language learning.
Preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages is an important part of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation – and it brings wonderful benefits to language learners.
Learning a language lets you see new sights, hear new sounds, discover new ideas. Language learning lets you travel into another world – and you don’t even need a spaceship with hyperdrive.
This beloved movie about brave, creative individuals and communities rising up to survive and thrive will encourage movie lovers to learn the beauty and power of Anishinaabemowin (ANISH-A-ABE-MOW-WIN).
To all of the partners who made this possible – at Lucasfilm, APTN, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, the University of Manitoba and the federal and provincial governments – thank you and congratulations on this unique and memorable premiere.
May the force of language, culture and community be with you.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom.
