Naskapi Teen's AI Chatbot Revolutionizes Language Preservation, Wins National Science Fair Title

In an inspiring blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology, 15-year-old Samuel Pokue from the Naskapi First Nation of Kawawachikamach, Quebec, has captured national attention and a prestigious award. Samuel was recently honoured with the Actua Award at the Canada-Wide Science Fair for his groundbreaking project: "A study of the Naskapi Cree language with an AI Chatbot." His innovative work offers a beacon of hope for the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.

Samuel's journey began with a deeply personal motivation.

He was profoundly moved by his grandfather's struggles with language loss, witnessing firsthand the erosion of the Naskapi tongue among elders and younger generations. This experience ignited a passion within him to ensure his ancestral language, a cornerstone of his cultural identity, would not fade into obscurity.

"I felt I should do something," Samuel shared, highlighting his commitment to his heritage.

Driven by this purpose, Samuel embarked on a remarkable scientific endeavour. He developed an AI chatbot utilizing the robust framework of ChatGPT, custom-training it with Naskapi vocabulary, phrases, and grammatical structures.

The chatbot serves as an interactive tool, capable of translating Naskapi to English and vice-versa, and designed to teach users individual words, common phrases, and even basic conversational skills. It represents a significant step forward in making language learning accessible and engaging for his community.

The Actua Award, a recognition of Samuel’s commitment to STEM and his innovative approach, celebrates his project's potential to inspire and empower.

His fusion of artificial intelligence with cultural preservation demonstrates a powerful model for other Indigenous communities facing similar challenges. The Naskapi community in Kawawachikamach has rallied around Samuel, offering immense support and pride for his achievements. His initiative is seen not just as a science project, but as a vital resource for cultural continuity.

Samuel's aspirations extend beyond this national accolade.

He dreams of pursuing computer science at university, envisioning a future where he can further develop technological solutions that benefit his community and beyond. His work exemplifies how integrating traditional knowledge with modern advancements can yield profound and positive impacts. He hopes his AI chatbot can be a foundational resource, not only for the Naskapi people but also as an inspiration for other First Nations to adapt similar technologies for their own language revitalization efforts.

Samuel Pokue’s achievement stands as a testament to youth innovation, cultural pride, and the boundless possibilities when passion meets technology.

His project is more than just an award-winning science fair entry; it's a living promise to keep the Naskapi language vibrant and thriving for generations to come.