Enweyang
Ojibwe Language Immersion Nest
An experimental design of the Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Language Revitalization Sponsored by the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Contact Information:
Brian McInnes, Program Director (218) 726-7772
Sanna Shields, Program Assistant (218) 726-7547
Program fax: (218)726-7073
Email:enweyang@d.umn.edu
Introduction
Enweyang Language Nest is an Ojibwe language immersion program for children ages 4-5. Instruction and daily communication in the nest will be in Ojibwemowin. Enweyang is a place that offers a quality educational program for students and families interested in the revitalization of the Ojibwe language. Enweyang currently offers half-day center based preschool education in an Ojibwe Language only environment. Enweyang is a two year program and all currently enrolled preschool children will continue into the 2012-2013 school year for full-day kindergarten.
***Check back here January 2013 for an announcment about future programming plans and enrollment information.***
Mission
The Mission of Enweyang is to provide an opportunity for children to learn, listen to, speak and use Ojibwemowin.
To support the mission, all subjects will be taught in Ojibwemowin. The Nest is a place for children to be immersed in Ojibwemowin in an environment that appreciates and values Ojibwe culture, history and language, and is committed to best practices in Ojibwe revitalization. Working with parents, community, students and staff committed to the revitalization of Ojibwemowin, we plan to achieve this mission.
Beliefs
We believe that:
- Immersion is a vital step in revitalizing Ojibwemowin
- Pedagogy and fluency skills provide an environment for revitalizing Ojibwemowin
- Students need to be grounded in local Ojibwe language, culture, and traditions
Student Goals
We ask our students to:
- Demonstrate age-appropriate language use in speaking, writing, listening comprehension in Ojibwemowin
- Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of Ojibwemowin
Parent Handbook (pdf)
The parent handbook contains important information about our program. Please read it and keep it in a place readily available for reference. All families and staff are responsible for being familiar with the contents of the handbook. If you have any questions please contact the program director.
