Indigenous Language programming (NSL)

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) offers a comprehensive Native as a Second Language (NSL) program across its schools, aiming to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages while providing students with valuable second language skills. NSL is offered in Anishinaabemowin, Ojibwe or Oji-cree, to grades 4-12. From grades 4-8, students take 40 minutes of Ojibwe a day. At the high school level students in Sioux Lookout take LNL (Oji-Cree), Dryden, Kenora, and Red Lake offer LNO (Ojibwe) as an option to fulfil the grade 9 language requirement. KPDSB's NSL program is designed to immerse students in Indigenous languages, fostering language proficiency and cultural understanding. The curriculum is structured to accommodate various proficiency levels, ensuring that students can progress from basic vocabulary and phrases to more complex language structures. The NSL program emphasizes developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the language. Cultural components are integrated throughout, allowing students to explore the traditions and history of Indigenous peoples and the language. This approach enhances language skills and deepens students' appreciation of Indigenous cultures and traditions.

(Ontario Curriculum: Native Languages Grade 1-8, Ontario Ministry of Education, 2001)

(Ontario Curriculum: Native languages Grade 9-10, Ontario Ministry of Education, 1999)

(Ontario Curriculum: Native languages Grade 11-12, Ontario Ministry of Education, 2000)

 

Benefits of Learning Indigenous Languages (Anishinaabemowin)

At Keewatin Patricia District School Board (KPDSB), we envision a future where every student has the opportunity to engage deeply with Indigenous languages, fostering cultural pride, unity, and understanding. By integrating Native as a second language (NSL) programming board-wide, we honour the rich culture and wisdom of Indigenous communities, empowering students to connect with their roots and ensure that Indigenous languages thrive for future generations. By embedding community culture, language, and land into all NSL programming board-wide, we honour and celebrate the deep-rooted traditions of Indigenous peoples. This approach ensures that students not only learn the language but also gain a profound understanding of the culture. Through this holistic learning, we nurture respect for Indigenous ways of knowing, strengthen community ties, and foster students that actively contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages.

Indigenous Language Lead for KPDSB: Alyssa Donais, [email protected]

Keewatin Patricia District Schools that offer Anishinaabemowin:

DRYDEN: Dryden High school, Open Roads Public School

KENORA: Beaver Brae Secondary School, Beaver Brae Intermediate School, Evergreen Public School, King George Public School, Keewatin Public School

RED LAKE: Red Lake District High School, Red Lake Madsen Public School

EAR FALLS: Ear Falls Public School

SIOUX LOOKOUT: Sioux North High School, Sioux Mountain Public School

PICKLE LAKE: Crolancia School