- AEK's message has been read by his colleague Maider Heguy and Bixente Claverie. They have asked the institutions for “a bold and solid linguistic policy” and not “an envelope of brilliance”. They call for more commitments and more resources. Remember that you can still not learn Basque for free throughout the territory.
AEK Closing Conference
Maider Heguy, President of AEK Iparralde and Bixente Claverie, Member of the AEK Governing Council in Baiona, 24 March 2024
Our first words are for AEK that do not accompany us: Julio Aranguena Aristi and Beñat Espil.
For the struggle that you have brought for the Basque people, come! !
Goodbye and welcome to Baiona!
We have come here thanks to you and thousands of citizens. You are the Basque people! 11 days and 10 nights to all the children, young and adults who have walked, thanks to AEK, warm and applause for all.
The Korrika was proud of Irun, and with his hands, sweets and mature ferments, the witness has travelled to Bayona, bringing the message to everyone, uniting and uniting Euskal Herria, bringing thousands of people together. We are proud because the Korrika unites us. We are proud to be Basque, without complexes. And we are proud to want to live in Basque.
We are proud... but don't conform!
Garazi tells us that language needs a complete ecosystem in which we all have a place, the Basques and those who want to learn, the Castilian speaking people, leaving room for the Basque. The Basque can all of us, because the Basque is not a limit, it is a door.
The numbers barely denounce the harsh reality. People have to be drawn to study, given opportunity and support. We have a great challenge! For those who want to learn Euskera, tomorrow we will also open evening classes to share and build the future of Euskera with ease. However, the area of Euskaldunization of adults still has scarce resources and gratuity for students is maintained throughout the territory.
Euskaldunes need us those who want to learn Basque. We too, for us to be proud, have to bring the Basque to everything, and make it live in the light. The speakers have the time to get out of the shade and act, to focus on the center and lengthen the word. It is up to each one to open and open the doors, give place, take and create the Basque in our homes, work centers, plazas, public spaces. This is our path and our ecosystem. Garazi said that “language policy should permeate any area of society”. Euskera cannot be a simple decision, nor a simple ornament, nor a fascinating symbol. The Basque country must be present in all spaces of society and also be a language of institutions. The institutions have a great responsibility: we need a bold and robust language policy and not a ‘glowing envelope’: we need more commitments and more resources, and now we need them.
23. The Korrika study pays tribute to the collective in Basque because the Basque is its support, like that of the Korrika. Students are still denied the right to pass exams in Basque. Students will continue to claim the right to Bajo and Brebeta in Basque, encourage and applaud them! Basque is not an imposition, it is a right!
Korrika 23 is over and we remember the 24th. But now is the party time! To all those involved in the Korrika committees and to all the AEK students, teachers and collaborators working to enjoy the party, thank you! Spend a good day!
PRESME HERRI! !
Long live Korrika! Long live AEK! Long live the Basque!