The importance of a Native Nation’s language stands paramount to many Native Americans — and this year, programs have been created in schools across the northland to support Ojibwe language learning.

Teachers, parents, and people from Bayfield and Hayward schools as they shared their thoughts on their Native language and the programs being implemented this fall.

” So, I believe it’s extremely important to teach our language and our culture to our babies so that we keep it alive, we keep it going. Something that was almost lost and taken from us, especially within the school system, was not built for our people. And to reclaim that and take that back is extremely important.”

Hannah (Niigaanibines) Orie, a Hayward School teacher, touched on the language connecting to their culture.

“Well, our language is everything to us. Once you lose your language, you lose ecological knowledge, you lose ceremonies, you lose your ways, you don’t just lose words, you lose everything about you, so I think that’s one big part of our curriculum and our way of teaching is that we don’t just teach vocabulary and sentence structure, we don’t just teach language.”

New Language Programs Planned for Fall 2024

With a partnership already underway, heading into the next school year, people are beginning to notice the impacts of the Ojibwe language and immersion programs. Beth Paap, District admin of the Bayfield school district, enlightened on the programs coming this fall.

“And so here we are in 2024, and in partnership with the Red Cliff tribe, we have been working to realize how we can bring Ojibwe Moen into the classroom in a significant way.”
“And the program is going to begin in kindergarten, and we will have one classroom in September with a teacher and a teacher’s aide and with approximately 10 to 15 students.”

The Education division for Red Cliff tribe expanded on what Beth said, highlighting how these programs are not only considering those who belong to the Native Nations, but also all children that go through their schools.

“Also, I’ve seen the impact of having an Ojibwe Immersion Program in a public-school setting where it’s offered for all children to help break down some of those stereotypes, those barriers that people may have towards indigenous people, but also being able to share through an Ojibwe world view to non-native students I think is really important.”

The next generation, shared with us that they have learned as they continue those traditions. Aubrey Defoe, a member of Cliff Tribe, spoke to us about the passing down of language and culture to the next generation during a Powwow.

“I would say the reason we do it is we always think of 7 generations ahead of us, and behind us. So, like I’m teaching my nieces just how to do it so they can carry on those traditions.”

Hannah Orie smiled as she reflected on the event of the students learning Ojibwe and learning more about the culture which many are from.

“Once the event is going, you know, all you can do is just smile and be proud that these kids are not only singing but singing in their language and just doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”