Why Learn Cree?

The value, for Canadian society as a whole, of learning Cree can be summarized as follows. Learning Cree leads to:

  • an increased awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic diversity

  • an enhanced role in the Aboriginal community

  • improved potential in the Canadian marketplace

There are also many personal reasons for learning Cree. Students can look forward to:

  • more opportunity to communicate directly with Cree-speaking people

  • a broader range of educational, career and leisure opportunities

  • the opportunity to participate in activities and ceremonies where Cree is used, as well as the opportunity to communicate with Elders and community members in their own language.

Students receive additional benefits from learning Cree, including:

  • the development of increased competence in their use of English or in other languages they may know

  • an increased ability to think abstractly and creatively

  • more cognitive flexibility