Orlanda Chaboyer is the Kindergarten teacher at John Diefenbaker school and on a daily basis sees the benefits of a Cree language program. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Languages

Local Cree language program receives green light for expansion

Mar 15, 2022 | 5:00 PM

A successful language program that has gained a Prince Albert school a lot of positive feedback from both its own families, as well as the general community as a whole, is growing.

Next Fall, the Cree Language Program at John Diefenbaker will be expanded to include both Grade 2 and pre-K. paNOW was invited for a tour of the school and Principal Roy Feschuk explained it’s very exciting news.

“You know we’ve got lots of people that are calling us from all over our community asking about the availability for it,” he said.

The news of the expansion plans comes close to the one year anniversary of Victor Thunderchild’s death, a well-respected local teacher and mentor who passed away from COVID. In 2019, Thunderchild had approached the school division with the idea of having a program that could assist his own grandson learn about his culture.

The children learn math skills as well as gain an understanding of ribbon skirts. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

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This Moshum and Kokum are very popular teaching assistants. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

After a meeting at the Sask Rivers. Education Centre, and a tour of several schools in the city, it was decided John Diefenbaker would be the best fit for the program given the circular nature of the schools areas and gathering spaces. In addition to providing tutelage, Thunderchild also played a role in the programming and resource gathering.

“That’s the high plateau that we’re trying to make sure we reach whenever we think about building this program and making sure it’s a viable program for language and cultural uptake,” Feschuk said.

Orlanda Chaboyer teaches Kindergarten, and said the program has very well received by the children who come in with little to no knowledge of the language.

“They are so ready for it. They want to learn it and they can say it so naturally,” she said.

The Kindergarten Cree program, which runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, and every second Friday, is very similar to the English program, whereas kids learn sounds and words and phrases though play.

Recalling her own experience growing up, Chaboyer said was discouraged from speaking Cree.

“So doing this was a challenge but it was also something in my heart I feel I’m ready for and I wanted to learn and that I am passionate about as well,” she said.

One of many posters in the grade one room. (Submitted)

Kayla Merasty teaches Grade one and said she is most impressed with the way the children take initiative, asking how to say certain words and phrases, and counting to 20 in Cree.

“I see a lot of independence and pride in the students,” she said, adding too when parents and grandparents speak to her, they often comment on how their child comes and tells them the Cree word of the day.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 12, 13 and 14 guides the school division in its work to promote Indigenous Languages. Superintendent Jennifer Hingley reported the success of the Cree Language Program during the school division’s board meeting last month.

In addition to the work being done at John Diefenbaker, Metis Nation Saskatchewan continues to partner with the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division to sustain the Michif Language and Culture Programs in Kindergarten at Queen Mary and St. Louis.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell