The sound of children harmonizing to the national anthem, “O Canada,” sung in Cree, fills the halls of Joe A. Ross School at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. This daily ritual marks the beginning of classes at the school, where Cree is integrated into various aspects of the curriculum.
The Cree immersion program at the school encompasses seven classrooms catering to students from nursery to Grade 6. Even students in the English language program participate in a daily 30-minute Cree course.
Principal Karon McGillivary, reflecting on her childhood when speaking Cree was discouraged, expresses astonishment at the existence of a school like hers today. She emphasizes the importance of hearing the children embrace and use the language once more.
Initiated two decades ago due to a decline in Cree speakers within the community, the program now enrolls approximately 200 of the school’s 500 students. To support the program, an apprenticeship initiative has been introduced to attract new educators, along with a land-based component. The Opaskwayak Cree Nation is located about 520 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, close to the Saskatchewan border.
McGillivary underscores that the Cree language represents more than just words; it embodies culture, land, and identity. She highlights the significance of younger generations acquiring the language for the community’s future and the process of reconciliation.
Despite initial reservations from parents about the Cree immersion program potentially affecting English proficiency, McGillivary notes a gradual increase in student enrollment by three percent this year, indicating a shift in attitudes.
Cree stands as the predominant Indigenous language spoken by Indigenous individuals in Manitoba, with Statistics Canada’s 2021 census recording over 13,000 speakers. The revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages were key components of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, urging adequate funding for initiatives supporting linguistic diversity in Canada.
Students like Ronin Hall in Grade 3 and Kiefer Pelly in Grade 5 are actively engaged in learning Cree, with aspirations to maintain and pass on the language to future generations. Their enthusiasm reflects a broader community effort to reclaim, preserve, and strengthen the Cree language for generations to come.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed as Orange Shirt Day, commemorates the legacy of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous communities. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and healing.
In conclusion, teachers like Linda Constant, who has been teaching Cree immersion for 17 years, emphasize the value of instilling Cree values in students, paving the way for future success. Through dedication and perseverance, the community aims to revitalize and fortify the Cree language, ensuring its endurance and resilience.
