Aging politicians would benefit greatly if they developed skills in indigenous tongues – The Sarnia Journal

May 12, 2026

A Sarnia resident challenges MPP Marilyn Gladu’s reported stance on Indigenous place names, arguing that language preservation serves both historical memory and cognitive health.

Good Morning MPP Marilyn Gladu,

I am writing in response to reporting in the Sarnia Journal which stated that you intend to erase indigenous place name from our riding. I am curious as to why you would wish to do this. Place name encodes memory. The indigenous community living here with us on the knife’s edge of United States expansion have been faithful friends in many wars fought for Canada’s independence, including the war of 1812. We would be foolish to forget this fact.

Granted, the Anishinaabemowin word Bkejwanong is likely difficult for some of your constituents to wrap their mouths around, but learning new languages increases cognitive flexibility and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases of the mind. It is my strong opinion that many of our aging politicians would benefit greatly if they developed skills in indigenous tongues.

Read More: https://www.thesarniajournal.ca/letters-to-the-editor/aging-politicians-would-benefit-greatly-if-they-developed-skills-in-indigenous-tongues-12274003