NEXT INTAKE: FALL, SEPTEMBER 2024

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 30, 2024

The Indigenous Language Revitalization Degree program provides language acquisition and revitalization practices in Nehiyawewin/Cree, Stoney/Nakota-Sioux, and/or Anishinaabe/ Saulteaux languages and cultures.

The Indigenous Language Revitalization Degree is a comprehensive, three-year program to support language acquisition and revitalization practices in Nehiyawewin/Cree, Stoney/Nakota-Sioux, and Anishinaabe/Saulteaux languages and cultures. The course is structured in a cohort-based format, meaning that students get to learn alongside peers who share a common interest and passion for language revitalization. 

One of the unique features of this program is that it is laddered, which means that students can obtain a certificate after completing one year, a diploma after two years, or a full degree in three years. This approach allows students to choose the program duration that best suits their individual needs and goals. 

Students will be exposed to various language revitalization practices throughout the program, including community-based language instruction, immersion experiences, and ethical language documentation and preservation. They will also be able to engage with Indigenous knowledge and worldviews and explore the cultural and historical significance of the languages they are learning. 

Overall, the Indigenous Language Revitalization Degree is a valuable and rewarding program for anyone passionate about language revitalization, Indigenous cultures, and preserving the rich linguistic heritage of these language groups.

Program Details

The Indigenous Language Revitalization Degree and respective programs will provide students with a strong foundation in one of the following languages: Nehiyawewin/Cree, Stoney/Nakota-Sioux, or Anishinaabe/Saulteaux. Although we offer all three languages, students are encouraged to focus on one or two of the languages. A worldview from Nehiyawewin/Cree, Stoney/Nakota-Sioux, and/ or Anishinaabe/Ojibway, ensures the capacity to promote and advocate for the revitalization of the languages and cultures as gifted to us from the Creator. 

Graduates will develop the following knowledge bases, and capacities: 

• Proficiency in one or more of these indigenous languages
• Advocacy for revitalization of indigenous languages, culture, and land-based practices. 
• Ancestral knowledge of the lands; and understanding the spirit of our relations

Mode of Delivery

The Indigenous Language Revitalization Degree and associated programs aim to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge among learners. The program utilizes an experiential pedagogy that involves observing, speaking, and writing an Indigenous language and is facilitated by highly respected Elders, Indigenous Scholars, Indigenous Language Speakers, and Knowledge Keepers. 

In the second and third year of studies, students participate in work-study field placements or practicums, which provide hands-on experience in real-world scenarios and enable them to work alongside Indigenous communities. These placements or practicums also foster a deeper appreciation of Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge and promote a sense of community among learners. 

Additionally, the program offers blended learning environments incorporating online educational materials with traditional classroom methods, creating a collaborative learning environment where learners can interact with their peers and educators online. This approach enables learners to explore various aspects of Indigenous culture, delve deeper into the nuances of the language, and engage with Indigenous communities.