High school students in Saskatchewan will have the opportunity to learn more First Nations languages beginning next fall.
Courses in Dene, Nakawe and Michif at the 10, 20 and 30 level will expand learning opportunities for students beginning in the 2019-20 school year. These new languages are in addition to the Cree course already being offered. The three new languages were previously available through locally developed courses to meet the needs of students.
“Our government is proud to support the preservation and growth of First Nations and Métis languages in Saskatchewan,” said Gordon Wyant, deputy premier and education minister. “We recognize that incorporating Indigenous language, culture and perspectives are foundational to the engagement and success of First Nations and Métis students.”
This initiative aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action and supports the province’s joint task force recommendations. These recommendations identified the importance of Aboriginal languages and the role they play in preserving cultural traditions, knowledge, and history.
“Reconciliation is about recognizing past wrongs, making sure those wrongs are not repeated and choosing to move forward together to build a better future,” said treaty commissioner Mary Culbertson.
“This renewed effort to acknowledge the significance of Indigenous languages and expand learning opportunities is an important step in creating inclusive learning environments for students and a meaningful step toward reconciliation in Saskatchewan.”
The retention and preservation of Aboriginal languages has been an important focus for the Métis Nation Saskatchewan, while it is encouraging to see a Métis language included within the provincial education system, said Earl Cook, Métis Nation Saskatchewan education minister said.
“This will assist in the retention of Michif, our official language,” he added. “Providing Indigenous students with meaningful opportunities to learn about and connect with their cultural heritage is key to their success.”
