Program that teaches children Anishinaabe culture and language gets $1.3 M from federal government

Ottawa is investing $1.3 million into anorthern Ontario First Nation, justwest of Sudbury. The funding is for a project to teach children Anishinaabeculture, laws, language and traditions.

Paula Naponse leads Atikameksheng Anishnawbek's Quality Improvement Project.

She said they'll use the funds to add more Anishinaabemowin language and cultural programming at an early learning centre in the community.

"There are lots of books, Indigenous books, written by Indigenous authors. The language is present all over the walls, language labels on the doors, on the tables, on the chairs. Also lots of toys that are Indigenous-made," Naponse said.

When she was a child,Naponse said she went to school off-reserve and was not exposed to her language and culture.

"I was taught that, you know, the natives are kind of like bad," she said.

"Always watching some of my cousins getting into trouble, that hurtto see."

But now, children who go to the early learning centre will be greeted in the Anishinaabemowin language.

"You can go outside, you know, learn different plants and trees," Naponse said.

Naponse said she hopes the children living in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek will have access to programs that will give them a strong sense of identity and purpose as they progress in their education.

The program could eventually lead to a school that teaches Anishinaabelanguage and traditions.

"The Atikameksheng Anishnawbek people know what is best for their children, and this program ensures that they will be cared for in a way that honours their culture and traditions," Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds, said in a news release.

"This investment supports their inspiring vision of a better future for their youth and their community."