Hockey enthusiasts in Yukon are currently being treated to a unique experience as they have the opportunity to listen to game commentaries in the Kaska language, all thanks to the efforts of Kaska Elders Testloa Smith and Hammond Dick. The 44th annual Yukon Native Hockey Tournament is currently underway, and the initiative led by Liard First Nation’s (LFN) language department aims to not only promote the language but also ensure its continuity among hockey fans.
The live commentary can be accessed via live streaming on the department’s Facebook page and is also being broadcast on the Whitehorse based radio station CHON-FM. Smith, a fluent native speaker, has expressed his deep passion for both hockey and the Kaska language, emphasizing the descriptive nature of Kaska in comparison to English. He has also highlighted the creation of new Kaska words for hockey, such as “bēzinī kē yéh kā́genehtąh,” which translates to “metal-shoes-with-they-play-hockey.”
The feedback from Kaska speakers in the communities of Watson Lake and Ross River has been overwhelmingly positive, as they have expressed their gratitude for hearing their language being utilized in such a unique context for the first time. Paul Caesar-Jules, a youth actively involved in learning the Kaska language, played a crucial role in creating a document containing Kaska hockey phrases and also provided commentary during a recent game. He has shared the challenges of speaking the language fluently in real time but has also expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm demonstrated by the Elders when speaking.
Both Smith and Caesar-Jules have underscored the significance of events such as the hockey tournament in the preservation of the Kaska language, highlighting its value as a means for younger generations to reconnect with their heritage. Smith in particular has drawn attention to the decreasing number of fluent Kaska speakers and has expressed concern regarding the future of the language.
The incorporation of the Kaska language into the hockey tournament not only serves to safeguard the language but also empowers the Kaska community in celebrating their heritage. The tournament, which now includes a women’s division, stands as a significant event that not only showcases the love for hockey but also serves as a platform for the appreciation and preservation of Kaska culture.
As the tournament draws to a close on Sunday, the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Kaska community in safeguarding their language and traditions. Through initiatives such as this, there is hope for cultivating an environment where the younger generation can fully embrace and carry forward the legacy of the Kaska language.