The sound of children singing the Canadian national anthem in Cree reverberates through Joe A. Ross School each morning, signaling the start of classes at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation school. This daily ritual is just one part of the extensive Cree immersion program offered at the school, which encompasses seven classrooms catering to students from nursery to Grade 6. Even students enrolled in the English language program participate in a 30-minute Cree course daily.
Principal Karon McGillivary, who was discouraged from speaking Cree in her youth, expressed astonishment at the establishment of a school dedicated to preserving the language. McGillivary emphasized the importance of children relearning and speaking Cree, noting the profound impact it has on the community.
The Cree immersion program was initiated two decades ago in response to a decline in Cree speakers within the community. Presently, approximately 200 out of the school’s 500 students are part of the immersion program. To support the program’s sustainability, an apprenticeship initiative has been introduced to attract new teachers, along with a land-based educational component.
McGillivary underscored that the Cree language embodies not only words but also culture, land, and identity. Revitalizing the language among younger generations is crucial for the community’s future and for fostering reconciliation.
Although the ultimate objective is to establish a fully Cree-immersed school, McGillivary acknowledged that some parents in Opaskwayak remain hesitant to enroll their children in the immersion program due to concerns about impacting their English proficiency. However, the school has observed a gradual decrease in this reluctance, evidenced by a three percent increase in Cree program enrollment this year.
Cognitively, McGillivary highlighted the benefits of bilingualism for students, emphasizing the enriching experience of interacting in both languages. Cree is the most widely spoken Indigenous language among Indigenous populations in Manitoba, with over 13,000 speakers according to Statistics Canada’s 2021 census.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action include directives for Indigenous language revitalization and preservation, urging government support for initiatives promoting linguistic diversity in Canada.
Students like Ronin Hall and Kiefer Pelly shared their enthusiasm for learning Cree, reflecting on its significance in preserving their heritage and passing it on to future generations. The school’s efforts to integrate Cree values into the curriculum aim to prepare students for success while fostering a strong sense of cultural identity.
Teachers like Linda Constant, a veteran Cree immersion educator, underscored the importance of instilling Cree values in students to pave the way for their future accomplishments. Constant emphasized the ongoing efforts of Cree speakers to preserve and revitalize the language, affirming their commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their linguistic heritage.