Indigenous Language Immersion in Canada

Childhood and School Programs

Indigenous Culture Based EducationLakehead University

Background

Of the 12 language groups in Canada, only 3 are predicted to survive with no immediate interventionmany reasons for this, including language genocide, social mobility, nationalism, reduction of indigenous populationslanguage is a person’s main link to identity, both personally and collectively as a community and is recognized as one of the most tangible symbols of culture and group

why are language programs important?

language revitalizationlanguage maintenancelanguage growth(evolving)

...without

language

“songs will no longer have

words...”

There are many different forms of indigenous language instruction...

Core Language Programs

Core language programs focus on teaching an

indigenous language in one separate class

Amount of time allotted and quality of language

instruction will vary depending on region and individual school

Language NestsPreschool immersion childcare programs

conducted entirely in the home language of an indigenous group;Focus is on authentic language learning;

These programs can be run from birth;

Concept originated in Australia and New

Zealand over 20 years ago

Immersion Programsfull immersion programs will

integrate the first language fully in 100% of the classes up to a determined pointsheltered immersion

programs begin with 100% first language instruction in the early years, with english being introduced first orally and then through reading and writing as the student progresses in age and/or grade - eventually the student will receive full instruction in englishfirst language immersion

programs aim to fully incorporate both language and culture into programming

Language Immersion School

Akwesasne Freedom School

Akwesasne, Ontario

Propose:

By focusing on our young people, we reverse the

assimilation process and ensure that the Mohawk people do not lose their language, culture and

identity.

Language Immersion School

• The Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen

Akwesasne Freedom School

Total Immersion = Good Public Speakers

Bilingual Program

Sioux Lookout, Ontario

Purpose:1. Bilingual--able to speak,

read and write in Anihshiniimowin and English

2. Bicultural--know and are able to live in both cultures

3. Have the knowledge and skills to succeed in high school

http://www.kwayaciiwin.com/

Bilingual Program

Teaching Model

The Kwayaciiwin Immersion Program is bilingual and teaches students fluency and literacy in Anihshiniimowin and English.

Bilingual Program

Services Provided by the Centre

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre provides support services to the 24 First Nations of the Sioux Lookout District. Services provided include:• Curriculum guidelines based on culture and values• Curriculum resources and books• Capacity development--training for Principals and Education Directors• Professional development workshops for district schools • Support in literacy, numeracy and student retention through FNSSP.

Does it confuse you when i refer to animals as people? In my language it is not confusing....we consider both animals and peoples to be living beings....when my people see a creature in the distance, they say awiiyak (someone is there).

it is not that my people fail to distinguish animals from people. Rather, the address them

with equal respect. once they are near and [identifiable]....then they use their particular

name. (elder, royal commission on aboriginal peoples, 1996, p.123)

Strategies for Indigenous Language Revitalization and Maintenance

Documentation and preservation Curriculum/ Resources development Language Engineering Bilingual Schooling Policy Development and Political

Advocacy Research Language Classes Bilingual Schooling Immersion Practices : Cross-

generational/community based **Immersion Schooling

ChallengesCommunity supportFinancial supportMaterials developmentIndigenous teacher trainingAssessmentLow number of speakers Lack of language statusLack of official supportExternal social, economic and political pressureLack of interest among young people

Future ConsiderationsFurther training: CILLIDI (Canadian Languages and Literacy Development Institute, University of Alberta)

Materials development (Gift of Language, La Ronge, Saskatchewan)

Development of assessment tools in indigenous languages

Government of Canada

Indigenous languages must be given official status by being declared the founding languages of Canada

Creation of a national Center for Indigenous languages

Life Span Approach to Language Revitalization and maintanance

Works cited

Onowa McIvor. Strategies for Indigenous Language Revitalization and Maintenance. 2009-04-03. Encyclopaedia of Language and Literarily Development. 2011-10-02. <http://literacyencyclopedia.ca/index.php?fa=items.show&topicId=265>

McIvor, Onowa.1998. Building the nests: Indigenous language revitalization in Canada through early childhood immersion programs. University of Victoria.

Pease-Pretty On Top, Janine. Native American Language Immersion: Innovative Native Education For Children & Families. 2011-10-02.