First Nations Language/Culture

The Place of First Nation Languages in the Ontario Curriculum

Research on Native education confirms that when students develop the ability to communicate in

a Native language, learning that language will reinforce, not interfere with, the learning of English, French, or other languages. In those Native communities where no Native language is spoken, the Native languages program will serve to introduce the Native language. In those communities where some Native language is spoken, the program will assist in the development and maintenance of that language. In communities characterized by greater fluency in a Native language, the program will support the use of that language as the language of instruction in those subjects that would be enhanced by the close relationship between language and culture.

For all students, learning a people’s language leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of that people’s way of viewing and classifying the world. The Native languages program is not intended to make students fully bilingual; rather, the program offers students the opportunity to develop a functional command of a Native language, which can be expanded through further study or through contact with other speakers of the language.

(Ministry of Education and Training, Native Languages Curriculum Policy Documents, 1999)

ADSB First Nation Language Curriculum

White Pines C. & V.S. is the home to our Native Language programme. White Pines offers Ojibwe

at the grade 9 open level. The purpose of this course is to develop basic Ojibwe language skills and to highlight certain traditions and customs of the Ojibwe people.

For more information, contact White Pines C.& V.S. at 705-945-7181.