Winnipeg expands language programs for students

Students in Winnipeg have something special to look forward to in the next school year.

The Winnipeg School Division approved what the Winnipeg Free Press called “sweeping changes” to the board’s language programs. Schools will soon have bilingual Ojibwa and Cree programs, Spanish programs and one more French bilingual school will be added to the area.

Indigenous languages, on the whole, are in danger, some more endangered than others. Preserving language is so important to strengthening and preserving culture, traditions, spiritual beliefs and for passing histories down from generation to generation.

The loss of languages wasn’t just an accident, it was a direct result of efforts from governments and school systems. So it only makes sense that schools should be one place where Indigenous languages are brought back and strengthened.

For more details on the new programs in Winnipeg, check out the Free Press’s story here.