Manitoba Schools Embrace Indigenous Languages Under New Law

Manitoba schools are taking significant steps to support Indigenous languages, thanks to a new law that elevates their status within the education system. The legislation, known as **Bill 18**, allows for languages such as Ojibwe and Cree to be taught as primary languages of instruction in kindergarten through Grade 12. This change marks a historic moment in the province’s educational framework, reflecting a commitment to cultural preservation and revitalization.

The term **”Minawaanigoziwin,”** which translates to “one who is happy and joyous,” resonates deeply with **Sherri Denysuik**, a teacher from Winnipeg and a member of **Sagkeeng First Nation**. Denysuik is actively learning the language her ancestors were historically prohibited from speaking. The recent amendment to Manitoba’s **Public Schools Act** is expected to foster fluency in Indigenous languages among future generations, a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation.

Under the new law, schools can dedicate over 50 percent of instructional time to Indigenous languages, a significant shift from the previous system that primarily offered English and French. Although immersion programs for languages like Filipino, Ukrainian, and Punjabi exist, this new framework places Indigenous languages on equal footing with Canada’s official languages.

The **Seven Oaks School Division** has been a pioneer in this movement, having established its first Ojibwe immersion class in 2016 at **Riverbend Community School**. According to Denysuik, the growth of their language programs has been “very organic,” driven by community interest and demand. Nonetheless, she highlighted the challenges of finding fluent speakers, underscoring the importance of training for “emergent speakers” to support this initiative.

Statistics from **Statistics Canada** reveal that only **13 percent** of the population can converse in an Indigenous language, a decline of nearly **11,000 speakers** since the last census in 2021. This urgent situation has prompted the Manitoba government to take proactive measures. **Jackie Connell**, the assistant deputy minister overseeing the newly established office of “Indigenous Excellence,” emphasized the need for a thoughtful and respectful approach to language revitalization.

Connell’s team is focused on collaborating with first-language speakers and experienced educators in the field. They are currently exploring pathways for fluent speakers to enter the K-12 education system more easily, particularly in light of the ongoing difficulties in recruiting Indigenous language teachers. Discussions are underway to recognize community-based experiences in the certification process, which could help bridge the gap in teaching resources.

The **Wapanohk Community School** in Thompson has also made strides in this area, becoming the first institution to offer Cree instruction across all subjects from kindergarten to Grade 8. Co-principal **Brent Badiuk** noted the importance of passionate staff in fostering the Cree language and culture. Approximately **40 percent** of the school’s teachers are fluent in Cree, and the student body is predominantly Indigenous, with the majority identifying as Cree.

Badiuk expressed optimism about the province’s legislative changes, stating, “It sounds like the province is catching up to us,” referring to the new recognition of Indigenous languages through Bill 18. He criticized the timing of the legislative action, suggesting that it should have occurred sooner, following the findings of the **Truth and Reconciliation Commission** (TRC), which highlighted the need for culturally appropriate curricula and the protection of Aboriginal languages.

Connell reiterated the importance of investing in language revitalization as a vital aspect of reconciliation. She acknowledged the historical harm caused by educational systems that suppressed Indigenous languages and affirmed that while there is a long road ahead, progress is being made under the leadership of **Premier Wab Kinew**. Since Connell’s appointment in early 2024, the Indigenous Excellence unit has expanded from eight to nearly two dozen staff members, underscoring the government’s commitment to this initiative.

Education Minister **Tracy Schmidt** introduced the amendments to the Public Schools Act in March, which received royal assent at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The passage of this legislation marks a significant step towards ensuring that Indigenous languages are recognized and taught, creating a more inclusive and representative educational environment in Manitoba.