Immersion Touted As Best Way To Learn Cree

Immersion Touted As Best Way To Learn Cree

Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 12:17

A Cree language teacher from La Ronge says the sooner youth get immersed in Cree immersion programming, the quicker they’ll learn the language.

Right now, says Minnie McKenzie, immersion programs are only offered in a few communities, including Stanley Mission, La Ronge, Onion Lake and two schools in Saskatoon.

She notes that core programming in the Cree language is still quite prevalent and can be helpful, but it doesn’t have the staying power that immersion programs do.

“We’ve had core language programs (within the Lac La Ronge Indian Band) for many years, but it hasn’t maintained the language. Just the written part is taught properly. But the spoken part, we need more students to be immersed in it,” McKenzie says.

McKenzie is one of about 150 people who are taking part in the Gift of Language and Culture conference going on in Prince Albert this week.