Winnipeg Schools Launch Online Indigenous Language Courses

The Winnipeg School Division has introduced a new initiative this winter, offering online courses in Indigenous languages to enhance accessibility for inner-city students and their families. This program aims to promote the learning of languages such as Ininiw (Cree) and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwa) through free evening classes, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing these languages in the community.

Rob Riel, assistant superintendent of Indigenous education, explained the motivation behind the initiative. “After COVID, we said, ‘If teaching online worked, why not try this?’ We’re finally getting around to it,” he stated. The program is designed to rebuild connections that were disrupted during the pandemic, providing a flexible and accommodating learning environment.

Throughout the upcoming term, live lessons will be broadcast to various schools, allowing anyone interested to participate from home. A dozen schools, including Niji Mahkwa, Kent Road, and River Elm, will serve as satellite classrooms. These sites will facilitate real-time lessons and provide opportunities for participants to practice their skills with one another.

The initiative also expands the curriculum by including Michif, which will be taught in-person at R.B. Russell Vocational High School. Carmen Smith, whose first language is Cree, will lead the remote classes from Sisler High School. Smith emphasizes the importance of cultural practices in her teaching, beginning her classes with a smudging ceremony. “Feeding our spirit by smudging opens up our hearts, our minds,” she shared, highlighting the significance of cultural rituals in the learning process.

Smith’s introductory course will cover essential vocabulary such as numbers, days of the week, and common animals, providing students with practical language skills. She noted the importance of repetition in building confidence among beginner speakers. “They shared that they wanted to learn who they are, where they come from, and starting to learn the basic language would help them,” she said.

The next session of classes will begin on February 11, 2024, coinciding with the launch of additional Ojibwa and Michif programs. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 16:30 to 18:00, accommodating various schedules.

Desi-Rae Anderson, service director of Indigenous education, emphasized the spiritual aspect of learning Indigenous languages. “Offering Indigenous language classes ignites the spirit of the language in the learners. It becomes a spiritual learning journey,” she stated. Such programs are vital for Indigenous youth, helping them connect with their heritage and engage their families in the learning process.

According to the latest demographic report from the Winnipeg School Division, approximately 30 percent of its 31,000 students identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. However, only a small fraction speaks an Indigenous language at home. The report indicates that 3.2 percent of households speak an Ojibwa dialect, while Cree and Oji-Cree are spoken in 1.2 percent. Michif is not included in this data, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.

Anderson expressed the necessity for immediate action, stating, “We need to act on this learning swiftly because our languages are at risk.” Registration for the classes is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, reflecting the inclusive approach of the program.

This initiative represents a significant step towards preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages within the community, providing valuable educational opportunities for all participants.