NEXT INTAKE: FALL, SEPTEMBER 2024

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 30, 2024 (Deadline has been extended to August 16, 2024)

The Indigenous Language Revitalization Degree (ILRD) 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 ILRD program is cohort-based, 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. Students have the option to obtain a certificate after completing one year, a diploma after two years, or a full degree in three years of studies. 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 mastering. 

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. Drawing from the paradigms of Nehiyawewin/Cree, Stoney/Nakota-Sioux, and Anishinaabe/Ojibway worldviews, we possess the capacity to actively champion the revitalization of languages and cultures, bestowed upon us by 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 its associated programs have been designed to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultural heritage and language. The program employs an experiential pedagogy that includes observing, speaking, and writing an Indigenous language, facilitated by highly respected Elders, Indigenous Scholars, Indigenous Language Speakers, and Knowledge Keepers.

In the second and third years of studies, students participate in work-study field placements or practicums, providing hands-on experience in real-world scenarios and the opportunity to work alongside Indigenous communities. These placements also help foster a deeper appreciation of Indigenous culture and traditional knowledge and encourage a sense of community among learners.

Additionally, the program offers blended learning environments that combine online educational materials with conventional classroom methods. Collaboration with peers and educators in these learning environments encourages students to explore various aspects of Indigenous culture, delve deeper into the nuances of the language, and engage with Indigenous communities.

For students residing outside of Edmonton, they have the option to arrange for online studies. Before the commencement of the course, students must engage in discussions with their instructors and obtain approval for these arrangements. It is incumbent upon the student to take the initiative to contact their instructors to coordinate these special accommodations.

INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION DEGREE 

PROGRAM PLAN 2024-2025

Year 1 Courses

CREE 100              Introductory Cree – Part 1                                                                                       

ISGA 115              Introduction to Stoney Language and Culture                                                      

ANIS 150              Introductory Anishnaabe                                                                                          

NEHI 110              Cree Morphology: Introduction I                                                                            

NTST 101              Native Studies                                                                                                                                                                                                              

LING 105              Traditional Materials Development                                                                         

LING 115              Second Language Acquisition                                                                                      

NEHI 106              Nehiyawewin and Syllabics: The Cultural Aspect                                                 

NTST 155              Native Song and Dance                                                                                                  

CREE 105              Conversational Cree                                                                                                       

Year 2 Courses

ANIS 250              Intermediate Anishinaabe II                                                                                        

ISGA 125              Intermediate Stoney                                                                                                      

LING 212              Language Revitalization: Technology Tools for Digital                                                   Learning                     

LING 295              Practicum I Seminar                                                                                                        

LING 296              Practicum I                                                                                                                          

CREE 200              Introductory Cree - Part 2                                                                                             

NEHI 210              Cree Morphology – Intermediate I                                                                            

IGOV 301             Introduction to Renewing Ceremonial Life                                                             

IGOV 302             Applied Ceremonial Life                                                                                                

EDIT 202               Information Technology for Teachers                                                                     

DRAM 247           Oral Communication                                                                                                      

Year 3 Courses

LING 315              Language Revitalization: How to Awaken our People to                                              Ownership             

LING 350              Advanced Language Revitalization (Anishinaabe, Cree,                                               Nakota-Sioux)       

NEHI 310              Cree Morphology: Intermediate II                                                                            

LING 395              Practicum I                                                                                                                          

LING 396              Practicum I Seminar                                                                                                        

CREE 300             Cree Syllabics                                                                                                                     

LING 305              Curriculum and Instruction in Second Language Acquisition                           

LING 355              Indigenous Plant Knowledge from The Lands                                             

NTST 303             Natural Law and Environment