In Their Own Words - First Nations Ojibway Language Teacher Mabel Lewis-Hill

Mabel Lewis-Hill is a retired Native Language Teacher (Nishnabemowin Kina mooshkin ) who was born and raised in Wikwemikong First Nation, Manitoulin Island. After she studied at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay she taught for many years in Sault Ste. Marie. Unlike many children of her generation she did not attend Residential School which allowed her to remain fluent in Anishinaabe. When asked about her teaching career Mabel said, "At first, I was scared and nervous, wondering why I ever thought I could teach this beautiful language. But I was determined to teach the students how to speak our language, to understand me speaking to them, their values in life and to never be ashamed that they are First Nation people."
First Nations Ojibway Language teacher Mabel Lewis-Hill speaks to Anishinaabe students at White Pines C. & V. S. in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.