loading . . . Manitoba launches Indigenous language immersion degrees as first students begin programs March 31 was National Indigenous Languages Day, a day where the Manitoba government marked a major milestone in Indigenous language revitalization. Premier Wab Kinew announced Tuesday that the first cohorts of students have begun immersion bachelor of arts programs at the University of Winnipeg (U of W) and University College of the North (UCN) “These first cohorts represent a new generation of language speakers, teachers and leaders,” said Kinew in a news release. “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.” Students were welcomed as part of the inaugural groups into the full-immersion language degree programs. The program was designed to build fluency and train the next generation of educators. Students at U of W are able to take Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) immersion, while UCN is offering Ininimowin (Cree) immersion. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/chv_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1616015438375-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1616015438375]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'manitoba-launches-indigenous-language-immersion-degrees-as-first-students-begin-programs'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); By launching the programs, a significant step is taken in rebuilding fluency and strengthening long-term language transmission, especially as the demand for qualified Indigenous language teachers grows provincewide. Additional Indigenous language initiatives across the province are being supported by the Manitoba government, including: Funding for a Cree land-based language camp led by D.R. Hamilton School in Pimicikamak Cree Nation, bringing together students for immersive cultural and language learning; Supporting Anishinaabemowin language courses at RRC Polytech, helping learners reconnect with language, identity and culture; Investing in community-led language revitalization projects focused on rebuilding fluency among adult learners and silent speakers; Ongoing partnership with the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre to preserve cultural knowledge and strengthen community connections; and Publishing the speech from the throne in Anishinaabemowin for the first time in Manitoba’s history. https://chvnradio.com/articles/manitoba-launches-indigenous-language-immersion-degrees-as-first-students-begin-programs
