From Kitigàn Zìbì Anishinàbeg First Nation in Quebec, Elder Joan Commanda Tenasco is an Anishinàbekwe, respected Algonquin language keeper, translator and educator known for bringing her language and culture to life. For over 50 years, she has dedicated herself to keeping Anishinābemowin, the Algonquin Language, strong, spoken and celebrated.
Her journey began in the 1970s in a humble basement, where she and a small group of community members gathered with paper and pencils to protect their language. What started as a grassroots effort quickly grew into a lifelong passion. At just 19 years old she was already teaching; at 21 she was working with learners of all ages—from curious toddlers to high school students—often opening her own home for evening lessons.
But Elder Tenasco didn’t stop at the classroom. She helped create songs, stories, games and even mobile apps to make learning fun and accessible. Whether it’s through catchy children’s songs, engaging storybooks or interactive digital tools, her work brings language to life in creative ways. She has also lent her voice to traditional stories and narrated bilingual books, and has contributed to projects in museums, schools and media.
A passionate mentor, she continues to inspire new generations of teachers—many of whom were once her students. Her influence can be heard in classrooms, communities and public spaces across the Algonquin Nation.
Energetic, dedicated and full of heart, Joan Commanda Tenasco’s legacy is one of joy, resilience and connection— a testament to what it means to protect something sacred, and to ensure it continues to live, to breathe and to belong to generations to come.