Episode 3
Air Date: June 20, 2025
Summary
In this episode, we extend a warm welcome to an honoured guest, Diana Steinhauer, who was a participant in my doctoral research with an online survey and an online focus group. She shares her insights on being a silent speaker who is working to regain her spoken language, and we learn about the hurdles and obstacles she has faced along with the successes and breakthroughs that she has experienced. Hearing from an adult Cree silent speaker provides us with a glimpse into the world of being able to partially or fully understand the language but not being able to fully speak the language. Perhaps you too will be able to see yourself in her story. We are honoured to have her gift us with the story of her language resilience.
SERIES
Adult Silent Speakers: A Cree Perspective
HOSTS & PRODUCERS
Charlotte Ross
Episode Guest
Dr. Diana Steinhauer, Nehiyaw/Cree, of onihcikiskwapiwinihk in Treaty No. 6 Territory, is an educator with 30+ years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration in K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions. Most importantly, she is a mother and first teacher of her two children. Diana completed her Doctorate in iyiniw pimātisiwin kiskeyitamowin (Indigenous Peoples Knowledge) at University n Blue Quills. She is particularly grateful to Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have guided and mentored her in the ancestral knowledge and ways of being as a kise iskwew. Recognizing the value and work of iyiniw pimātisiwin, Diana’s work as a change agent in language, education, and governance is grounded upon her late father’s adage, pimātisîtotetân kimiyikowisiwininaw, ‘Let us live life the way our Creator intended for us to live’.