Worldwide, a language is lost every 14 days. The focus of this edition of Issues in Education is one of multinational and local concern— indigenous language revitalization. The official language of the Grand Portage Band is Anishinaabemowin, also known as the Ojibwe language. With students of Ojibwe ancestry in each school in the county it is important that all learners have the opportunity to develop cultural competencies through language learning.
Local solutions must address a language crisis resulting from centuries of public policy at the federal and state level intended to destroy indigenous languages. Oshki Ogimaag can contribute to the solution through a schoolbased learning approach. Ultimately, as a school we can only be a part of the solution. Yet, educational institutions are an instrumental tool in teaching the Ojibwe language. We have learned from our history the power of educational institutions as they were paramount in contributing to language loss through the boarding (residential) school system.
Research shows that second language learning enhances other subjects rather than detracting from them. In young learners, second language learning requires sophisticated thought, which enhances student comprehension and abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics. Mastering the vocabulary of a second language develops important skills such as critical thinking, listening, problem solving, and memory. Long-term benefits come to fruition after consistent language programming throughout the early years.
Federal and state legislation has taken steps to address the issue of language loss. For example, the Minnesota State Legislature provided 10 directives in establishing a volunteer work group to “develop a unified strategy to revitalize and preserve indigenous languages of the 11 federally recognized American Indian tribes in Minnesota.”
Through a competitive grant process, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council awarded Oshki Ogimaag a grant in the amount of $88,000, funded by an appropriation from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. These funds will be used to establish a multi-strategy approach to language acquisition.
A fluent speaker will teach the language to children and work with school staff to create an environment in which the use of Anishinaabemowin is encouraged in daily communication. A language intern will provide programming support, while devoting a significant amount of time learning the language in order to develop an additional speaker in the community.
Staff will implement classroom, home-school connection, and community extension language programs. In addition, we will help organize a Language Revitalization Team that will participate in strategic planning for language revitalization in our community. Team members will receive training in best practices, and put that knowledge to use in the community.
We are extremely humbled by this award, and are eager to devote 100 percent of funds towards language learning opportunities for our students, families, and community members.
The benefits of school courses reach farther than Anishinaabe students. Developing the ability to speak the language is a regionally marketable skill. Increasingly, colleges and universities are offering degree programs in the Ojibwe language. Therefore, Ojibwe language in the schools prepares students for higher education in a growing professional field.
It is exciting to see other local schools increasing Ojibwe language instruction. The best way for people to learn about the Anishinaabe and our culture is through the language. We are honored to have the opportunity to participate in countywide Ojibwe language revitalization.
Each month a representative of our local schools will offer thoughts in Issues in Education. This month’s contributor is Anna Deschampe, Oshki Ogimaag School Board vice-chair and parent.
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