Language Revitalization
The Aapiish Noongwa Ge-Zhaaying Games Folder
KPR Indigenous Education Department is currently developing a series of interactive Anishinaabemowin games. More games coming soon!
Anishinaabemowin Read Aloud Book Shelf
Why a Focus on Local Indigenous Languages, History, Perspectives and Culture?
Some members of our Indigenous Education team have been reading the book Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education. On page 26 the author, Jo Chrona, reflects on a conversation with a co-worker who was asking why learning specifically about Indigenous cultures was important. Her response was as follows “this is the only place in the world where the languages of the First Nations of this place exist, where the literatures of Indigenous Peoples spring from, where the knowledge systems of First Nations here are rooted in the land. If their languages cease to be spoken here, if the knowledges and perspectives are not taught and learned here, they do not exist elsewhere in the world.”
If the language, perspective, history and culture of the Mississauga First Nations are not taught in the KPR schools, then where will they be? This is the only place in the world where they exist.
2022-2032 is the International Decade of Indigenous Languages
The International Decade aims at ensuring Indigenous peoples’ right to preserve, revitalize and promote their languages, and mainstreaming linguistic diversity and multilingualism aspects into global sustainable development efforts.
10 Goals For The Decade Of Indigenous Languages
When the UN General Assembly declared the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, they invited Indigenous peoples to initiate ideas. The following are 10 goals proposed by FPCC for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages:
Goal 1: Indigenous communities have full control of their own language data
Goal 2: Indigenous communities have access to international research and resources for language revitalization
Goal 3: Indigenous language access is supported by sustainable technologies
Goal 4: Indigenous language learners have access to mother-tongue based education
Goal 5: Nations and states are supporting and investing in Indigenous language revitalization
Goal 6: States that succeed in supporting Indigenous languages are celebrated and acknowledged
Goal 7: A convention is adopted for the promotion of Indigenous languages and linguistic rights
Goal 8: Effective assessment mechanisms are implemented to demonstrate outcomes of the Decade
Goal 9: Indigenous-led language work is supported through long-term adequate funding
Goal 10: Indigenous knowledge and expertise is recognized and honoured
Making the Most of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages for Indigenous Communities (FYI: American article, good ideas).
Language and Place
Anishinaabemowin Classes at KPR
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board offers Anishinaabemowin classes at the following sites:
Lakefield District Public School
Thomas A Stewart Secondary School
Cobourg Collegiate
Roseneath Centennial Public School
North Shore Public School
Itinerant Anishinaabemowin Teacher- contact the Indigenous Education Department for more details
Indigenous Language Resources
Anishinaabemowin
Michif
More Options
Anishinaabemowin is the language of the Michi Saagiig people and territory.
This is the language of the Métis.
Métis Nation of Ontario Michif Resources (the bilingual workbook is excellent for classroom use!)
Explore the differences and similarities between Heritage Michif and Northern Michif, then Ontario Michif.
Use this series of videos by the Métis Nation of Ontario to learn a Michif word a day.
We have students from a variety of communities. We will continue to add to this page as we gather resources.
Education for Reconciliation:
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
We call upon the federal government to acknowledge that Aboriginal rights include Aboriginal language rights.
14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles:
Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.
Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties.
The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation.
The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities.
Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages.
15. We call upon the federal government to appoint, in consultation with Aboriginal groups, an Aboriginal Languages Commissioner. The commissioner should help promote Aboriginal languages and report on the adequacy of federal funding of Aboriginal-languages initiatives.
16. We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages.
17. We call upon all levels of government to enable residential school Survivors and their families to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs for a period of five years for the name-change process and the revision of official identity documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, health cards, status cards, and social insurance numbers.