Indigenous Language Programming

What is the Indigenous Language Programming?

We are happy to be providing Indigenous Language Programming. Students will have the opportunity to learn from returning teachers Tahnee Bennett (Kanyen'kéha) and Ashley Nadon (Anishinaabemowin).

This program runs weekly via Microsoft Teams and is supported by the Indigenous Education Team in collaboration with each student’s individual learning community. It affirms the importance of Indigenous language revitalization and provides students with meaningful opportunities to strengthen their cultural knowledge, self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.

Who is a Candidate for the Program?

The Indigenous Language Program is designed to support:

• Self-identified Indigenous students, including First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit learners;
• Students interested in learning or strengthening their Indigenous language skills;
• Students who would benefit from culturally grounded learning that supports identity, belonging, and confidence;
• Students in Grades 3 and up (with flexibility for younger students where appropriate).

Understanding Our Responsibilities

Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms that language programming is a right for Indigenous students.

When possible, we do our best to uphold Article 13 by offering programming when we have language teachers available to work with us. We recognize that language teachers often carry very full schedules, supporting multiple organizations and people within their communities. We are especially thankful to Tahnee and Ashley for continuing their work with us.

This program is a unique chance to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages and strengthen students’ cultural knowledge, confidence, and well-being.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about the Indigenous Language Programming, please contact:

Liv Rondeau, Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education