Language and Culture (Calls 13-17)

The University of Winnipeg acknowledges that we are gathered on ancestral lands, on Treaty One Territory. Our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. These lands are the heartland of the Métis people.

We are committed to implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC): Calls to Action. 

Programs and initiatives

Some of the programs and initiatives that members of The University of Winnipeg community have undertaken related to Calls to Action 13-17: Language and Culture are:

Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous languages. UWinnipeg's Bachelor or Arts in Indigenous Language program is the first of its kind in Manitoba and will provide students with the tools and knowledge to communicate, research, and advocate for Indigenous languages, such as Cree and Ojibwe. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Blanket ceremony honours Indigenous faculty. Students, faculty, staff, community members, and elders filled the fifth floor atrium of the library to honour Ida Bear and Anne Boulanger. View a slideshow of the event. (Call 14.i, 14.iv) 

Educational Ojibwe radio drama. The first episode of 10 episodes of Aakoziiwigamig: An Ojibwe Radio Drama aired on NCI Radio January 13, 2021. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Learning Ojibwe. A beginner and intermediate Learning Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language class is being delivered by Wii Chiiwaakanak, in partnership with Indigenous Languages of Manitoba. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Teaching Indigenous languages. Partnering with Indigenous Languages of Manitoba to pilot a modified version of the UW English as Additional Language Teaching Certificate Program for Cree and Ojibwe speakers. The goal is to train Indigenous language speakers to teach Indigenous languages to adult learners, including postsecondary and community classrooms. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16)  

Weweni Lecture series. Events include How Universities can Support Indigenous Language Revitalization and Maintenance with Dr. Lorna Williams, January 11, 2017 and How to Learn an Indigenous Language with Dr. Anton Treuer on December 2, 2015. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Publications

Fontaine, Lorena Sekwan, (2019) “Our Languages Are Sacred. Indigenous Language Rights in Canada.” In John Borrows et all. Braiding Legal Orders. Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Waterloo Ontario: Centre for International Governance Innovation. 93-100 (first author). (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Fontaine, L. Sekwan (2017) “Redress of Linguicide. Residential Schools and Assimilation in Canada.” British Journal of Canadian Studies. Volume 30. Issue 2. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Fontaine, L. and Pitawankwat, B. (2016). Intergenerational Legacies of Loss and Revitalization: Cree and Ojibway Languages in Canada. In Delyn Day, Poia Rewi and Rawinia Higgins (Eds.) The Journeys of Besieged Languages: United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars. 16-33. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16) 

Fontaine, L. (2017) “Where do Indigenous Languages Fit Into Canada’s National Identity?” Centre for International Governance Innovation. Dr. Lorena Sekwan Fontaine argues that Indigenous languages should be recognized as Canada's national treasures. (Calls 14.i, 14,iii, 14.iv, 16)