Indigenous grandmother's language classes become TikTok sensation
An Ojibwe woman living in Sioux Lookout, a town in Northwestern Ontario, uses TikTok to teach thousands of people around the world the indigenous language of her ancestors.
Crystal Harrison Collin started her TikTok account in 2020, during the start of the pandemic, and had the idea to record her granddaughter, Amara, learning a new word each day in Anishinaabemowin.
"We were already practicing our words from home, and I thought let's try this, and it went from there with each video we created," said Harrison Collin.
With several dozen videos now uploaded to her account since its initial creation, the Tiktoks have since generated hundreds of thousands of views from audiences worldwide, such as in Australia, France and England.
"I'm receiving positive comments from people saying keep doing what you are doing and saying 'Hey, I saw you!' It encourages me to continue," said Harrison Collin.
While Harrison Collin's videos focus on language learning, she said she often highlights important topics like missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and the intergenerational trauma caused by Canada's residential school system, a trauma that Harrison Collin's family has also experienced.
As a granddaughter of a residential school survivor, Harrison Collin said it wasn't until her later 30s when she reconnected with her father, who was able to pass down the teachings and language of her Anishinaabemowin heritage. She said that the learning gap is something she hopes to bridge with the next generation of learners.
"It is a difficult topic, but it is necessary because it builds understanding, compassion, and respect," said Harrison Collin.
Harrison Collin said although there is still work to be done on the road to reconciliation, she hopes her videos help to give people access to information needed to learn and understand.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.