What You’ll Learn
- The program will provide students with the knowledge, appropriate teaching strategies, and skills to teach Cree programs
- Students will be taught how to develop curriculum prepared in a standardized and accepted orthography.
- They will gain knowledge and understanding of history and society as it pertains to Aboriginal languages in Canada.
Course Benefits and Outcomes
A Certificate in Teaching Ininimowin provides a range of employment opportunities for graduates to teach Cree. Cree language teachers are employed in a variety of educational settings such as schools, college and university levels and community organizations
Program Schedule
Credit Hours: 1
This innovative course introduces students to Aboriginal traditional teachings through the use of sharing circles, group activities and other Aboriginal cultural practices, and by working with traditional and non-traditional teachers. Students will learn about the historical and contemporary issues of Aboriginal people and actively participate in various culturally-based experiences, including a feast.
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores how Aboriginal identity and belonging is informed by the philosophical beliefs and constructs central to the worldview of Aboriginal people. Students will examine how Aboriginal people have maintained their cultural beliefs through family and community. The concepts of wahkotowin and wahkotamowin will be explored to develop understanding of place and language.
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the foundations of Aboriginal language education from pre-contact to contemporary contexts. Students will examine traditional language learning processes, language development and language acquisition in Ininimowin, second language acquisition, and bilingual learning processes.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite: CAL.1025
The goal of this course is for students to prepare community-based curriculum. Students will learn and apply the components of Aboriginal language curriculum that affirms the culture and heritage of the community. Students will develop community-based resource material for teaching Ininimowin.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite: CAL.1020
Completion of a 40-hour practicum in a classroom setting is required for successful completion of the course. The practicum will include opportunities for the candidate to observe, plan, and teach under the mentorship of a cooperating teacher. Attendance is mandatory. With respect to holidays, interns follow the schedule of the school and not that of the University.
Credit Hours: 3
This course will focus on teaching methodologies as outlined in the Kenanaw Learning Model to increase verbal and written skills in the Ininimowin language. Students will learn various language teaching methods for core programs, bilingual, and immersion programs.
Credit Hours: 3
This course will focus on the development of basic computer skills to enhance Ininimowin language learning. Students will increase their knowledge of video and audio technology and how to apply them to Ininimowin language curriculum development.
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of Aboriginal language teaching. The Kenanaw Learning Model will be utilized to develop knowledge of skill teaching, child centered learning, learning strategies, and learner autonomy for Ininimowin language teaching.
Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce appropriate assessment and evaluation procedures in Ininimowin language curriculum development. Students will have an opportunity to plan, design, and implement
assessment and evaluation tools for Ininimowin language learning.
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide an opportunity for students to work with community knowledge keepers and Elders in a land-based setting to develop innovative culture-based curriculum.
Admissions
Check Your Eligibility
- Regular student or Mature student (must be 20 years of age)
Registration Requirements
a. A completed Application for First Nations Language Teacher’s Fluency Certificate clearly stating Cree language proficiency and
signed by their Education Authority.
b. Recent Child Abuse Registry official documentation. Students listed on the Child Abuse Registry will not be admitted to the program.
c. Recent Criminal Record and Abuse Registry official documentation. Applicants with a criminal record may not be able to complete the program due to restrictions in acquiring a practicum.
