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CREE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
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For More Information Email > > cree@bluequills.ca

youtube link to a video project done by the Cree Language Students in 2006

<> Elder's Message <>

<> Program Descriptions <>

<> Cree Language Certificate Program <>

<> Cree Language Instructor Certificate Program <>

<> Cree Language Diploma Program <>

<> Community Cree Language Specialist Program <>

<> Course List <>

"Our language is a gift from the Creator that we carry for our children,

our language carries the knowledge of this land,

our language carries our knowledge of who we are,

our language carries our future."  Blue Quills First Nations College

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Message from the Elders and the iyiniw Department

iyiniw STUDIES – CREE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COMPONENT

kâkiyaw ôma ôta kâkisinahamâke kîkway kesi nehiyawe âhpô kesi nehiyaw pimâtisi kâkiyaw nikihteyiminânak nikakwe apacihânânak ôhi tipahaskâna ôta ka-wîtâpisimâyahkik tahtwaw e-hispayik.  metoni niwahpahtenân e-ati wanîtâcik kitôskayiminawak onehiyawiyiniwaw ekwa mîna opîkiskwewiniwâw.  ewako ôci ôma kânîkânastayahk e-koni ôhi kîkwaya kweyas tahto kîsikaw kakwe pimâtisicik.

ekoni ôhi mistahi nikeyiceyitenân ôta kâkiskinahamâkeyahk, tahto kîsikâw, nistameyimahkanak ekosi e-kîsinitaweyihtahkik.  asci mîna kîspin akameyimoyahki ekonik ôki kiskinahamawâkanak nehiyaw mâmitoneyihcikan katipiyawewikowak ekwa kawâpahtamwak ka-atinisitohtahkik kîkway anima ka-nehiyawi.  ekôma nehiyawiwin pokwîsi esi kanawâpahtamân poko ka-akam kiskinahamawâyahkik oskayak.  kîyanaw poko namoya ta-pômeyahk, ta akampîkiskwâtâyahkik ekonik ôki ôta ka-pekiskinahamâsocik itahto kîsikaw.  anohc ayisk ekwa poko kakwe otinamihk pimâtisiwin ta e-isi miyopayik môniyahnahk ekwa mîna nehiyânahk.

ekosi, Ay ay

(Translation of “Message from the Elders and the iyiniw Department”)

Currently incorporated into all the programs at Blue Quills First Nations College is the iyiniw Studies Cree language and culture component. Following the direction and guidance of the Elders from all seven First Nations, it has become increasingly clear that the Cree language and culture, which is such a vital element to establishing identity, is fast becoming lost to our younger generations. It is for this reason a strong emphasis to teach the Cree language within each program is now being offered.  Primarily because the Cree language and the Cree culture are considered to be so closely related, it has become the mandate of the Blue Quills First Nations College to serve as an advocate of Cree language, culture, history, and pedagogy in all forms for students taking courses at the college.

Rightfully the ultimate goal of the college is to educate students in such a manner that their Cree identity or “onehiyâwiwiniyiw” emerges free from a colonial mentality. In addition, the cycle of assimilation through education stops with the emphasis on Cree language and culture.

Evidently the non-native student wishing to pursue an affordable education will benefit by attending school at Blue Quills.  It will give them an understanding of First Nation issues and an accurate history of First Nation peoples from an indigenous perspective.

Everything considered, it is our responsibility to pass the Cree language and culture on to our younger people who are coming to Blue Quills First Nations College seeking the education and knowledge that will allow them to live prosperously in both worlds.

That’s it for now, Thank you 

Program Descriptions

Cree Language Certificate Program

The goal of this program is to assist adult language learners to speak and understand Cree.  There are many ways to make language learning fun and interesting whether it’s in the classroom, outdoors or out in the local Cree communities.  Over the years of offering Cree language programming, the College has created instructional methods that promote understanding and speaking Cree.

 A major key to language revival programs include community. There are several Cree communities where the language is spoken. Here, fluent speakers and Elders assist in the learning process.

Cree Language Instructor Certificate Program

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Cree Language Program Courses

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