Manitoba Invests $4.5M to Revitalize Indigenous Languages

The Manitoba government has announced a significant investment of over $4.5 million dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous languages. This initiative will support the establishment of two new university-level degree programs aimed at training fluent speakers and future educators of Indigenous languages. The announcement was made by Premier Wab Kinew and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable on Friday, marking a vital step in the preservation and transmission of Indigenous languages to younger generations.

Premier Kinew emphasized the importance of language preservation, stating, “Preserving the Indigenous languages of our province means passing them on to future generations. Indigenous youth will be healthier if they can speak the traditional language of their communities.” He highlighted that these programs are designed to cultivate a new generation of fluent Indigenous language speakers and educators, which is essential for maintaining Manitoba’s Indigenous traditions.

New Programs at Local Universities

The University of Winnipeg will receive $2.3 million to launch a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Language Immersion, focusing on Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe). This program is notable as the first of its kind in Manitoba, tailored for second-language learners with the goal of producing fluent speakers who can proceed to teacher certification courses. Todd Mondor, president of the University of Winnipeg, remarked on the significance of the program, stating, “This new language immersion programming builds on our long-standing commitment to Indigenous language education.”

The program aims to address the growing need for qualified immersion teachers throughout the province, thereby enhancing Indigenous language education in schools from kindergarten through to post-secondary levels.

In a complementary effort, the University College of the North (UCN) will receive nearly $2.25 million to introduce a Bachelor of Indigenous Languages program focused on Ininimowin (Cree). This funding will also support the retrofitting of campus facilities into a Centre for Aboriginal Languages and Culture, with $1.49 million allocated for capital costs and $759,000 for program support. Doug Lauvstad, president of UCN, described the launch as “a profound and historic moment” for both the institution and the Indigenous communities it serves.

Goals and Future Implications

Minister Cable noted that the new programs will provide students with essential tools to lead language revitalization efforts in their communities. She stated, “They will support students in becoming future Indigenous language teachers, increase opportunities for learning in both northern and urban communities, and help students strengthen the cultural and linguistic foundations that will shape future generations.”

Both degree programs are set to commence in January 2026, with student admissions already open. This initiative is in line with the implementation of the Public Schools Amendment Act (Indigenous Languages of Instruction), which seeks to integrate Indigenous languages into Manitoba classrooms across all educational levels.

This investment reflects a broader commitment to reconciliation and cultural revitalization, ensuring that Indigenous languages continue to thrive in Manitoba’s educational landscape. By fostering fluency in these languages, the Manitoba government aims to empower Indigenous communities and preserve their unique cultural identities for future generations.